trained / learned
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trained
Describes a person who has completed formal vocational training in a specific trade or profession and is therefore qualified.
Für diese Reparatur brauchen wir einen gelernten Elektriker.
For this repair, we need a trained electrician.
'Gelernt' (learned/trained) is the past participle of the verb 'lernen' (to learn). In this use, it functions like an adjective and describes a quality acquired through learning.
Das Wort „gelernt“ kommt vom Verb „lernen“ und bedeutet, dass jemand eine Fähigkeit erworben hat.
The word 'gelernt' (learned/trained) comes from the verb 'lernen' (to learn) and means that someone has acquired a skill.
You can easily distinguish the meanings: If 'gelernt' (trained) comes before an occupation, it means 'qualified'. If it appears in the phrase 'eine gelernte Lektion' (a learned lesson), it means 'learned through experience'.
Ein gelernter Schreiner hat eine Ausbildung gemacht.
A trained carpenter has completed vocational training.
In the meaning 'qualified', 'gelernt' (trained) is almost always used directly before the noun (the job title). You say 'ein gelernter Koch' (a trained cook), but not 'der Koch ist gelernt' (the cook is trained).
Wir suchen eine gelernte Bürokauffrau für unser Team.
We are looking for a trained office administrator for our team.
The word is especially often combined with trades or occupations involving vocational training: 'gelernter Bäcker' (trained baker), 'gelernte Friseurin' (trained hairdresser), 'gelernter Mechaniker' (trained mechanic).
Ein gelernter Bäcker kennt die besten Tricks für gutes Brot.
A trained baker knows the best tricks for good bread.
qualified
'qualifiziert' and 'gelernt' can both say that someone has suitable training for a job. 'qualifiziert' is more general: the necessary skills can come from vocational training, university studies, courses, or experience. 'gelernt' is used especially for professions where someone has completed formal vocational training, for example in a trade. That is why you would more likely say 'eine qualifizierte Mitarbeiterin' (a qualified employee) for many fields, but 'ein gelernter Bäcker' (a trained baker) or 'eine gelernte Kauffrau' (a trained businesswoman / commercial clerk) for a learned profession.
Mein Freund ist gelernter Elektriker und repariert die Lampe sicher.
My friend is a trained electrician and can repair the lamp safely.
Die Firma braucht qualifizierte Mitarbeiter für den Kundenservice.
The company needs qualified employees for customer service.