01
der Beruf
profession / occupation
The trained and permanently practiced activity through which a person earns a living.
example
Sie ist Lehrerin von Beruf.
She is a teacher by profession.
der Beruf
profession / occupation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Beruf' (profession/occupation) is related to the verb 'rufen' (to call). The idea behind it is that a profession is a 'Berufung' (vocation/calling) — a task one feels called to do. This also explains the second, deeper meaning of the word.
EXAMPLE
Für viele Ärzte ist ihre Arbeit mehr als nur ein Beruf, es ist eine Berufung.
For many doctors, their work is more than just a profession; it is a calling.
Fixed expression
To ask about or state someone's profession, the expression 'von Beruf sein' (to be ... by profession) is very common. The question is: 'Was sind Sie von Beruf?' (What do you do for a living?/What are you by profession?). The answer is: 'Ich bin [Berufsbezeichnung] von Beruf.' (I am a [job title] by profession.)
EXAMPLE
Was ist Ihr Vater von Beruf?
What does your father do for a living?
Typical verbs
When talking about careers, certain verbs are often combined with 'Beruf' (profession/occupation). Common combinations are: 'einen Beruf erlernen' (to learn a profession/trade), 'einen Beruf ergreifen' (to enter a profession), 'einen Beruf ausüben' (to practice a profession), or 'den Beruf wechseln' (to change professions).
EXAMPLE
Nach der Schule möchte sie einen kreativen Beruf erlernen.
After school, she wants to learn a creative profession.
Compare with
Beruf vs Arbeit
work
'die Arbeit' and 'der Beruf' both have to do with paid work. 'Arbeit' often means the specific job, the workplace, or the working day. 'Beruf' refers more to a person's trained or long-term profession or occupation, for example doctor, cook, or mechanic. You can confuse the words because you earn money with both. As a guide: 'Ich gehe zur Arbeit' (I’m going to work) refers to everyday work or the workplace. 'Mein Beruf ist ...' (My profession is ...) refers to what someone has trained for or does long-term.
Beruf
Im Gespräch erzählte sie, dass ihr Beruf viel Geduld braucht.
During the conversation, she said that her profession requires a lot of patience.
Arbeit
Heute habe ich die Arbeit früher beendet, weil ich einen Termin hatte.
Today I finished work earlier because I had an appointment.
In real life
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