worker
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worker
A person who performs physical labor for wages, especially in industry, crafts/trades, or construction.
Die Arbeiter auf der Baustelle tragen Helme und Sicherheitsschuhe.
The workers on the construction site wear helmets and safety shoes.
The word 'Arbeiter' (worker) is derived directly from the verb 'arbeiten' (to work). The ending '-er' here indicates the person who performs the activity, so 'someone who works'.
Die Firma sucht neue Arbeiter für die Produktion.
The company is looking for new workers for production.
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Arbeiter' (worker) from the context. If we are talking about jobs and industry, it refers to a person. In connection with insects like bees, it refers to an animal. If a person is being praised for their diligence, it refers to a quality.
Die Arbeiter streiken für höhere Löhne.
The workers are striking for higher wages.
In the meaning 'wage laborer', the word is often connected with certain industries or is part of compounds. Typical examples are 'Bauarbeiter' (construction worker), 'Fabrikarbeiter' (factory worker), or 'Hafenarbeiter' (dockworker).
Viele Arbeiter in der Automobilindustrie machen sich Sorgen um ihre Zukunft.
Many workers in the automotive industry are worried about their future.
When a person is described as an 'Arbeiter' (worker), even though that is not their profession, it emphasizes their great diligence. This is often reinforced by adjectives like 'wahrer' (true), 'echter' (real), or 'unermüdlicher' (tireless).
Unser Teamkapitän ist ein echter Arbeiter auf dem Spielfeld.
Our team captain is a real hard worker on the field.
employee
'der Mitarbeiter' and 'der Arbeiter' can both mean a person who works professionally. 'Mitarbeiter' is general and fits many workplaces, for example in an office, in a shop, in a public authority, or on a project. 'Arbeiter' usually means someone who does physical labor, especially in construction, in a factory, or in a trade. Learners can confuse the words because both have to do with work. As a simple guide: 'Mitarbeiter' is neutral and broad, while 'Arbeiter' emphasizes physical labor.
Auf der Baustelle tragen die Arbeiter schwere Platten ins Haus.
On the construction site, the workers carry heavy panels into the house.
Maria begrüßt den neuen Mitarbeiter in der Werkstatt.
Maria welcomes the new employee in the workshop.