01
arbeitslos
unemployed
Describing the state of not having paid employment, although one is able and willing to work.
example
Seit der Werksschließung ist er leider arbeitslos.
Since the factory closed, he is unfortunately unemployed.
arbeitslos
unemployed
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of 'Arbeit' (work) and the ending '-los' (-less). The ending '-los' means 'without', so 'arbeitslos' literally means 'without work'.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Firmenpleite waren hunderte Mitarbeiter plötzlich arbeitslos.
After the company went bankrupt, hundreds of employees were suddenly unemployed.
Typical verbs
'Arbeitslos' (unemployed) is very frequently used with the verbs 'sein' (to be, a state) and 'werden' (to become, a change). Another important phrase is 'sich arbeitslos melden' (to register as unemployed), which describes an official action at an authority.
EXAMPLE
Er ist seit drei Monaten arbeitslos.
He has been unemployed for three months.
Nominalization
The adjective 'arbeitslos' (unemployed) can be used as a noun to describe a person: 'der Arbeitslose' (male unemployed person) or 'die Arbeitslose' (female unemployed person).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung plant neue Programme für Arbeitslose.
The government is planning new programs for the unemployed.
Context clue
The figurative meaning of 'arbeitslos' (idle) is used almost exclusively in an economic or financial context. Words like 'Kapital' (capital), 'Geld' (money), or 'Vermögen' (assets) signal that this meaning is intended.
EXAMPLE
Große Mengen an Kapital liegen arbeitslos auf den Konten und werden nicht investiert.
Large amounts of capital are lying idle in accounts and are not being invested.
Compare with
arbeitslos vs arbeitend
working
'arbeitslos' and 'arbeitend' can express an opposition related to working. 'arbeitslos' describes a person who does not have a paid job, although they are able and willing to work. 'arbeitend' describes a person or thing that is working or active. As a direct opposite of 'arbeitslos', 'erwerbstätig' often sounds more official and more precise, but 'arbeitend' can still mean that someone is working right now or in general. The important point is: 'arbeitslos' means the state of being without a job; 'arbeitend' means active activity or function.
arbeitslos
Nach der Schließung des Betriebs war Mehmet mehrere Monate arbeitslos.
After the business closed, Mehmet was unemployed for several months.
arbeitend
Während wir arbeitend im Büro saßen, wurde draußen die Straße repariert.
While we sat working in the office, the road outside was being repaired.
In real life
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