research paper / skilled work
Loading your saved state.
research paper
An extensive academic paper that upper-secondary school students write independently on a specific subject topic. It often serves as preparation for academic writing at university.
Für meine Facharbeit in Biologie habe ich das Verhalten von Ameisen untersucht.
For my biology research paper, I studied the behavior of ants.
The word is made up of 'Fach' (specialized field, subject) and 'Arbeit' (work). So it literally means work that relates to a specific field or subject.
Die Facharbeit in Geschichte war sehr aufwendig.
The history research paper was very time-consuming.
In a school context (meaning 1), a 'Facharbeit' (research paper) is written, submitted, and graded. When it is about craft or technical activities (meaning 2), 'Facharbeit' (skilled work) describes the high quality and the skill required.
Er muss seine Facharbeit bis Freitag abgeben.
He has to submit his research paper by Friday.
When referring to the academic paper at school, 'Facharbeit' (research paper) is often used with the verbs 'schreiben' (to write), 'verfassen' (to compose/write), or 'abgeben' (to submit).
Ich muss noch meine Facharbeit für das Chemiereferat schreiben.
I still have to write my research paper for the chemistry presentation.
In the meaning 'qualified activity', the word is often used to praise the quality of the work. Typical adjectives are 'saubere' (clean/neat), 'gute' (good), or 'anspruchsvolle' (demanding) Facharbeit.
Der Tischler hat wirklich saubere Facharbeit geleistet.
The carpenter really did neat skilled work.
presentation / department
'Referat' and 'Facharbeit' can both have to do with school, university, and a specific topic. The most important difference is the format. A 'Referat' is mainly an oral presentation in front of others. You prepare it and then speak about it. A 'Facharbeit' is a longer written research paper that you write independently, often in upper-secondary school. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Referat' sometimes also includes a written part. Even so, speaking remains central for a 'Referat', while writing and research are central for a 'Facharbeit'.
Für ihre Facharbeit liest Sofia mehrere Bücher über erneuerbare Energie.
For her research paper, Sofia reads several books about renewable energy.
Yara war nervös, weil sie ihr Referat vor der ganzen Klasse halten musste.
Yara was nervous because she had to give her presentation in front of the whole class.