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.
learned
Describes a lesson or insight that someone has gained and internalized through experience.
Nach dem finanziellen Verlust war das eine teuer gelernte Lektion für ihn.
After the financial loss, that was an expensively learned lesson for him.
'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
Both words can describe a person with the appropriate professional skills. „Gelernt“ particularly refers to completed formal vocational training in a specific profession, while „qualifiziert“ more generally emphasizes suitability for a task. Use „gelernt“ when referring to a vocational qualification and „qualifiziert“ when referring to the relevant ability.
Für die Reparatur suchten wir einen gelernten Elektriker mit abgeschlossenem Berufsabschluss.
We looked for a trained electrician with a completed vocational qualification to carry out the repair.
Durch ihre Erfahrung ist sie für die Leitung des Projekts qualifiziert.
Her experience qualifies her to lead the project.
