An institution of statutory accident insurance in Germany that is responsible for specific branches of industry and provides benefits in cases of workplace accidents or occupational diseases.
example
Nach seinem Unfall auf der Baustelle wurde der Fall an die zuständige Berufsgenossenschaft gemeldet.
After his accident on the construction site, the case was reported to the responsible employers' liability insurance association.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word consists of 'Beruf' (profession/job) and 'Genossenschaft' (cooperative/association). A 'Genossenschaft' is a kind of association or cooperative. So it is an association that deals with work-related matters.
EXAMPLE
Jedes Unternehmen muss seine Mitarbeiter bei der zuständigen Berufsgenossenschaft anmelden.
Every company must register its employees with the responsible employers' liability insurance association.
Cultural context
The 'Berufsgenossenschaft' (employers' liability insurance association) is a central part of the German social insurance system. It is the statutory accident insurance provider for employees and is responsible for preventing workplace accidents.
EXAMPLE
Die Berufsgenossenschaft prüft die Sicherheitsstandards im Betrieb.
The employers' liability insurance association checks the safety standards in the company.
Typical collocations
Typical phrases are 'einen Unfall bei der Berufsgenossenschaft melden' (to report an accident to the employers' liability insurance association), 'bei der Berufsgenossenschaft versichert sein' (to be insured through the employers' liability insurance association), or 'Leistungen von der Berufsgenossenschaft erhalten' (to receive benefits from the employers' liability insurance association).
EXAMPLE
Der Arbeitsunfall muss sofort der Berufsgenossenschaft gemeldet werden.
The workplace accident must be reported to the employers' liability insurance association immediately.
Abbreviation
In everyday working life and in official documents, the abbreviation 'BG' is often used. So if you hear 'BG Bau' or 'BG Handel', it refers to the 'Berufsgenossenschaft' (employers' liability insurance association).
EXAMPLE
Schick den Bericht bitte direkt an die BG.
Please send the report directly to the BG.
Compare with
confusable
Berufsgenossenschaft vs Gewerkschaft
trade union
'Gewerkschaft' and 'Berufsgenossenschaft' both have to do with work and occupations, but their tasks are very different. A 'Gewerkschaft' represents the interests of employees, for example regarding pay, working hours, or working conditions. A 'Berufsgenossenschaft' is an institution of statutory accident insurance in Germany. It is important when workplace accidents or occupational diseases are involved. The words can be confused because both appear in working life. For negotiations with the employer, 'Gewerkschaft' fits. For accident insurance and help after a workplace accident, 'Berufsgenossenschaft' fits.
Berufsgenossenschaft
Nach dem Unfall auf der Baustelle meldete Frau Demir den Fall der Berufsgenossenschaft.
After the accident on the construction site, Ms. Demir reported the case to the employers' liability insurance association.
Gewerkschaft
Im Betrieb informiert die Gewerkschaft die Beschäftigten über den neuen Tarifvertrag.
At the company, the trade union informs employees about the new collective agreement.
