temporary worker / help
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temporary worker
A person who works temporarily or for a limited time in a business or household in order to help when there is a staff shortage or an increased workload.
Im Weihnachtsgeschäft stellen viele Läden Aushilfen ein.
During the Christmas shopping season, many stores hire temporary workers.
help / assistance
The activity of temporarily helping or supporting someone.
Der Bauer bat seine Nachbarn um Aushilfe bei der Ernte.
The farmer asked his neighbors for help with the harvest.
The word is made up of the prefix 'aus-' and the noun 'Hilfe' (help). The prefix suggests helping someone out of a difficult situation, such as a staff shortage.
Ohne die Aushilfe meiner Kollegen hätte ich die Arbeit nicht geschafft.
Without the help of my colleagues, I would not have managed the work.
The word can refer to a person or to an activity. When a person is meant, the word is countable ('eine Aushilfe' = one temporary worker, 'zwei Aushilfen' = two temporary workers). When the activity is meant, it is uncountable and is often used with verbs like 'brauchen' (to need) or 'leisten' (to provide).
Das Restaurant sucht für den Sommer noch zwei Aushilfen.
The restaurant is still looking for two temporary workers for the summer.
When a person is meant, the construction 'als Aushilfe arbeiten' (to work as a temporary worker) or 'als Aushilfe jobben' (to have a temporary job) is often used to describe the type of employment.
Während des Studiums hat sie als Aushilfe in einem Café gearbeitet.
During her studies, she worked as a temporary worker in a café.
When the activity of helping is meant, 'Aushilfe' (help/assistance) is often used in fixed expressions. Typical phrases are 'um Aushilfe bitten' (to ask for help) or 'jemandem Aushilfe leisten' (to provide someone with assistance).
Der Landwirt bat seine Nachbarn um Aushilfe bei der Ernte.
The farmer asked his neighbors for help with the harvest.
jumper / knight
Both words can refer to a person who steps in when there is a staff shortage. A Springer is typically a permanent member of staff who switches flexibly between tasks, while an Aushilfe usually works only temporarily or for a limited period. Springer is the right term for ongoing flexible cover, while Aushilfe is used for temporary support.
Die Aushilfe arbeitet nur diese Woche im Team und unterstützt die erkrankte Kollegin.
The temporary worker is only working with the team this week and is helping the sick colleague.
Der Springer gehört fest zum Team und übernimmt heute die Aufgaben der erkrankten Kollegin.
The floater is a permanent member of the team and is taking over the sick colleague’s duties today.
