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
der Beruf
vocation / calling
A task that one feels inwardly called to do; a life mission.
EXAMPLE
Für ihn war die Pflege kranker Menschen nicht nur ein Job, sondern ein wahrer Beruf.
For him, caring for sick people was not just a job, but a true calling.
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
Arbeit and Beruf can describe how someone earns a living. Beruf refers more to the profession someone has trained for and practices over the long term, while Arbeit means the specific job or activity. Use Beruf for a person’s established professional identity and Arbeit for their current or specific employment.
Beruf
Sein Beruf ist Krankenpfleger.
He is a nurse by profession.
Arbeit
Seine Arbeit in der Klinik beginnt jeden Morgen um sieben Uhr.
His work at the clinic starts at seven every morning.
In real life
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