der Gig
gig
A single, usually short live performance by a band or musician, often in a club or at a festival. The term comes from English.
EXAMPLE
Die Band hat am Wochenende einen Gig in Hamburg.
The band has a gig in Hamburg this weekend.
der Gig
gig
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Meanings
der Gig
gig
Colloquial term for a short-term job, a one-off assignment, or a project, especially in freelance or creative work.
EXAMPLE
Als freiberufliche Übersetzerin bin ich immer auf der Suche nach dem nächsten Gig.
As a freelance translator, I'm always looking for the next gig.
Usage tips
Register and style
'Gig' is a loanword from English and belongs to colloquial language. It is used especially by younger people and in the music or creative scene.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns heute Abend zum Gig von dieser neuen Indie-Band gehen!
Let's go to the gig by this new indie band tonight!
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning from the context. If people are talking about music, bands, or concerts, it means a performance. If the topic is work, projects, or freelancing, it means a short-term job.
EXAMPLE
Die Band spielt ihren nächsten Gig in Berlin.
The band is playing their next gig in Berlin.
Typical collocations
When a musical performance is meant, 'Gig' is often combined with the verbs 'spielen' (to play) or 'haben' (to have).
EXAMPLE
Unsere Band hat am Samstag einen Gig in einem kleinen Club.
Our band has a gig in a small club on Saturday.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'short-term job', typical verbs are 'suchen' (to look for), 'bekommen' (to get), 'haben' (to have), or 'annehmen' (to accept).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe einen coolen Gig als Fotograf für eine Hochzeit bekommen.
I got a cool gig as a photographer for a wedding.
Compare with
Gig vs Job
job
A Job can be a permanent position or a single assignment. Gig, on the other hand, usually refers to a short-term individual assignment, especially in freelance or creative work. Only Job is suitable for a regular position; both are possible for a short assignment, but Gig emphasizes its limited duration.
Gig
Die Designerin hat einen zweitägigen Gig für eine Agentur angenommen.
The designer accepted a two-day gig for an agency.
Job
Die Designerin hat einen festen Job bei einer Agentur angenommen.
The designer accepted a permanent job at an agency.
In real life
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