working class
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working class
The entirety of workers and employees, especially wage earners in industry, viewed as a social group or class.
Die Gewerkschaften vertreten die Interessen der gesamten Arbeiterschaft gegenüber den Arbeitgebern.
The unions represent the interests of the entire working class in dealings with employers.
The word is made up of 'Arbeiter' (worker) and the suffix '-schaft'. The ending '-schaft' forms collective nouns and describes a group or community, as in 'Mannschaft' (team) or 'Gesellschaft' (society).
Die Freundschaft zwischen den beiden Ländern wurde betont.
The friendship between the two countries was emphasized.
'Arbeiterschaft' (working class) is a singular noun that refers to a large group of people. It is therefore used with a verb in the singular, even though it describes many individuals.
Die Arbeiterschaft war mit den neuen Regelungen nicht einverstanden.
The working class did not agree with the new regulations.
This word is mainly used in political, sociological, or historical contexts to describe the social class of workers. It is uncommon in everyday conversation about the employees of a company.
Das Buch analysiert die Entwicklung der Arbeiterschaft im 20. Jahrhundert.
The book analyzes the development of the working class in the 20th century.
workforce
'die Belegschaft' and 'die Arbeiterschaft' can both refer to groups of working people. 'Belegschaft' refers to all employees of a specific company or organization. 'Arbeiterschaft' more often means workers and wage earners as a larger social group, especially in connection with industry, politics, or society. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with work. For the people in a specific company, 'Belegschaft' is usually more precise; for a broad social group, 'Arbeiterschaft' fits better.
Die Partei spricht oft über die Rechte der Arbeiterschaft in der Industrie.
The party often talks about the rights of the working class in industry.
Die Belegschaft der Firma bekommt nächste Woche neue Arbeitskleidung.
The company's workforce will get new work clothes next week.