assistant / helper
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assistant / helper
A person who carries out supporting or simpler tasks in a company, institution, or household.
Als Student hat er als wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft an der Universität gearbeitet.
As a student, he worked as a research assistant at the university.
The word consists of 'Hilfe' (help) and 'Kraft' (worker/personnel). In this context, 'Kraft' does not mean strength, but a person who works. Similar formations are 'Lehrkraft' (teacher) or 'Arbeitskraft' (worker/labor force).
Für die Ernte suchen wir noch fleißige Hilfskräfte.
We are still looking for hard-working helpers for the harvest.
The work area of the Hilfskraft (assistant/helper) is often specified. Typical combinations are 'wissenschaftliche Hilfskraft' (research assistant, at university), 'studentische Hilfskraft' (student assistant), or 'Hilfskraft in der Küche/Pflege' (kitchen/care assistant).
Sie finanziert ihr Studium durch einen Job als studentische Hilfskraft.
She finances her studies through a job as a student assistant.
To describe a person's role or job, the preposition 'als' (as) is often used. Typical formulations are 'als Hilfskraft arbeiten' (to work as an assistant/helper) or 'jemanden als Hilfskraft einstellen' (to hire someone as an assistant/helper).
Das Unternehmen hat ihn als Hilfskraft für das Lager eingestellt.
The company hired him as a warehouse assistant.
helper
'der Helfer' and 'die Hilfskraft' both refer to people who provide support. 'Helfer' is more general and can be used in many situations, including private or voluntary contexts. A 'Hilfskraft', on the other hand, usually works in a company, school, medical practice, or household and takes on supportive or simpler tasks. The word sounds more like a role or position. The words can be confused because both refer to people who help. For spontaneous or general help, 'Helfer' is more natural. For paid or regular supportive work, 'Hilfskraft' is a better fit.
Luisa arbeitet am Vormittag als Hilfskraft in einer Arztpraxis.
Luisa works in the mornings as an assistant in a doctor's office.
Kann dein Bruder heute als Helfer beim Aufbau mitkommen?
Can your brother come along today as a helper for the setup?