apprenticeship / doctrine
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apprenticeship
Vocational training in a trade or industrial occupation that combines practical work in a company with instruction at a vocational school.
Nach der Schule begann er eine Lehre als Kfz-Mechatroniker.
After school, he began an apprenticeship as an automotive mechatronics technician.
'Die Lehre' is the noun related to the verb 'lehren' (to teach). All meanings have something to do with something that is taught or learned—whether a profession, an idea, or a lesson from experience.
Der Professor ist für seine gute Lehre bekannt.
The professor is known for his good teaching.
For vocational training, fixed phrases such as 'eine Lehre machen' (to do an apprenticeship), 'eine Lehre beginnen' (to begin an apprenticeship), or 'in die Lehre gehen' (to start an apprenticeship) are used. The profession is introduced with 'als' (as).
Er macht eine Lehre als Bäcker.
He is doing an apprenticeship as a baker.
The word 'Lehre' (apprenticeship) for vocational training is especially common in Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, it is mainly used for traditional skilled trades.
Mein Großvater hat damals eine Lehre zum Schreiner gemacht.
My grandfather did an apprenticeship as a carpenter back then.
When you learn from an experience, you use the fixed expression 'eine Lehre aus etwas ziehen' (to draw a lesson from something).
Ich habe meine Lektion gelernt und werde eine Lehre aus diesem Fehler ziehen.
I have learned my lesson and will draw a lesson from this mistake.
The meaning as a tool is very specific and occurs only in technical or craft contexts. If the topic is precision, measurements, and workpieces, it probably refers to a 'Prüflehre' (inspection gauge).
Mit der Lehre wird geprüft, ob der Winkel exakt 90 Grad beträgt.
The gauge is used to check whether the angle is exactly 90 degrees.
training / education
'Ausbildung' and 'Lehre' can both mean vocational training. Both words are especially appropriate when someone learns a profession through practical work in a company together with classroom instruction. 'Ausbildung' is the more general and neutral word today. It fits many professions. 'Lehre' often sounds somewhat more traditional and is used especially for trades and industry. Learners may confuse the words because in many everyday situations they mean almost the same thing. If you are unsure, 'Ausbildung' is usually the more suitable general choice.
Frau Kaya beginnt im Sommer eine Lehre als Tischlerin.
Ms. Kaya is starting an apprenticeship as a carpenter in the summer.
Heute sucht Ali eine Ausbildung im Bereich Technik.
Today Ali is looking for vocational training in the field of technology.