01
der Arbeitsplatz
job
A job or position with an employer; an employment relationship.
example
Durch die Schließung der Fabrik sind hunderte Arbeitsplätze in Gefahr.
Because of the factory closure, hundreds of jobs are at risk.
der Arbeitsplatz
job / workplace
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'Arbeit' (work) and 'Platz' (place). The 's' in between is a linking element that connects the two parts. The literal meaning 'Arbeits-Platz' (work-place) helps you understand both meanings: the job (the 'place' in a company) and the physical location.
EXAMPLE
Mein Arbeitsplatz ist nur zehn Minuten von meiner Wohnung entfernt.
My workplace is only ten minutes from my apartment.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about business, politics, or the number of positions, it usually means the employment relationship. If it is about a specific physical place with a desk or workbench, it means the place where work is done.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma schafft 50 neue Arbeitsplätze.
The company is creating 50 new jobs.
Typical collocations
In the sense of a job or position, 'Arbeitsplatz' (job) is often used with verbs like 'schaffen' (to create), 'sichern' (to secure), 'verlieren' (to lose), or 'wechseln' (to change/switch).
EXAMPLE
Er hat nach langer Suche endlich einen neuen Arbeitsplatz gefunden.
After a long search, he finally found a new job.
Prepositions
To describe the physical place, German uses 'am Arbeitsplatz' (at the workplace) for position and 'zum Arbeitsplatz' (to the workplace) for direction.
EXAMPLE
Ich bin gerade am Arbeitsplatz und kann nicht telefonieren.
I'm at work right now and can't talk on the phone.
Compare with
Arbeitsplatz vs Arbeit
work
'die Arbeit' and 'der Arbeitsplatz' can both have to do with work and employment. 'die Arbeit' usually means the activity itself or a job in general. 'der Arbeitsplatz' means either a job with an employer or the specific place where you work, for example a desk or a workshop. Learners can easily confuse the words because in everyday speech people say 'Ich gehe zur Arbeit' (I’m going to work), even though they may also mean the place. If you are talking about the activity, 'Arbeit' fits better. If you mean the job or the place of work, 'Arbeitsplatz' is more precise.
Arbeitsplatz
Nach dem Umzug hat Paul seinen Arbeitsplatz direkt am Fenster.
After the move, Paul has his workplace right by the window.
Arbeit
Mia ist müde, weil ihre Arbeit heute sehr anstrengend ist.
Mia is tired because her work is very demanding today.
In real life
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