precarious
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precarious
A situation that is insecure, unstable, or difficult, especially in relation to employment or finances.
Viele junge Akademiker finden nach dem Studium nur prekäre Anstellungen mit befristeten Verträgen.
After graduating, many young academics only find precarious jobs with fixed-term contracts.
'Prekär' (precarious) resembles the English 'precarious', but it is used differently. In German, it almost always describes an insecure social or financial situation, not an immediate physical danger.
Nach dem Jobverlust war seine finanzielle Situation sehr prekär.
After losing his job, his financial situation was very precarious.
'Prekär' (precarious) is a word used in elevated language. You often find it in newspaper articles, academic texts, and political discussions.
Der Bericht beschreibt die prekären Lebensbedingungen in der Region.
The report describes the precarious living conditions in the region.
In connection with work and finances, typical combinations are 'prekäre Arbeitsverhältnisse' (precarious working conditions), 'prekäre Beschäftigung' (precarious employment), and 'eine prekäre finanzielle Lage' (a precarious financial situation).
Immer mehr Menschen arbeiten in prekären Beschäftigungsverhältnissen ohne feste Absicherung.
More and more people are working in precarious employment relationships without secure protection.
When a sensitive matter is meant, 'prekär' (delicate) is often used with nouns such as 'Situation' (situation), 'Lage' (situation), or 'Frage' (question).
Der Diplomat befand sich in einer äußerst prekären Situation.
The diplomat found himself in an extremely delicate situation.
sure / safe
'sicher' and 'prekär' form an opposite pair when it comes to stability and protection. 'sicher' describes a situation that is not at risk or that you can rely on. 'prekär' describes a situation that is insecure, difficult, or unstable, especially with work or money. A secure job provides protection and predictability. A precarious work situation causes worry because it can easily get worse.
Wegen der kurzen Verträge ist ihre finanzielle Lage im Moment prekär.
Because of the short-term contracts, her financial situation is currently precarious.
Nach der Probezeit hat Ali endlich einen sicheren Arbeitsplatz.
After the probation period, Ali finally has a secure job.