A person who has completed vocational training in a craft or industrial occupation. They have specialized knowledge and skills in their field.
example
Für die Installation der neuen Heizungsanlage benötigen wir einen ausgebildeten Facharbeiter.
For the installation of the new heating system, we need a trained skilled worker.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is a compound of 'Fach' (field/specialty) and 'Arbeiter' (worker). A 'Fach' here is a specialized field or discipline. So a Facharbeiter is literally a worker for a specific field.
EXAMPLE
Er ist Facharbeiter für Elektrotechnik.
He is a skilled worker in electrical engineering.
Word family with 'Fach-'
The prefix 'Fach-' is used in many words to express specialization or expertise. Examples are 'das Fachwissen' (expert knowledge), 'die Fachsprache' (technical jargon), or 'das Fachgebiet' (specialized field).
EXAMPLE
Für diese Reparatur braucht man spezielles Fachwissen.
For this repair, you need specialized expert knowledge.
Cultural context
The term is closely connected with the German system of dual vocational training. A skilled worker has typically completed a 2- to 3.5-year training program that combines practical work in a company with theory at a vocational school.
EXAMPLE
Nach seiner Ausbildung arbeitet er als qualifizierter Facharbeiter in der Automobilindustrie.
After his training, he works as a qualified skilled worker in the automotive industry.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives used with this noun are 'ausgebildet' (trained), 'qualifiziert' (qualified), or 'gesucht' (in demand). An important topic in the German economy is the 'Facharbeitermangel' (shortage of skilled workers).
EXAMPLE
Gut ausgebildete Facharbeiter werden in vielen Branchen gesucht.
Well-trained skilled workers are in demand in many industries.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Facharbeiter vs Arbeiter
worker
'der Arbeiter' and 'der Facharbeiter' are close in meaning because both often work in industry, trades, or construction. 'der Arbeiter' only says that someone does physical labor. 'der Facharbeiter' additionally says that the person has training and special knowledge in an occupation. The words can be confused because a skilled worker can also be a worker. When training or a special qualification is important, 'Facharbeiter' is more precise.
Facharbeiter
Für die Reparatur der Anlage braucht die Firma einen erfahrenen Facharbeiter.
The company needs an experienced skilled worker to repair the system.
Arbeiter
Auf der Baustelle gibt der Vorarbeiter dem Arbeiter neue Aufgaben.
On the construction site, the foreman gives the worker new tasks.