The sector of an economy made up of companies that are privately owned and operate for profit, as opposed to the public sector of the state.
example
Viele Absolventen suchen nach dem Studium eine Stelle in der Privatwirtschaft.
After graduating, many graduates look for a job in the private sector.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'privat' (private) and 'Wirtschaft' (economy/business sector). So it refers to the part of the economy that is in private hands.
EXAMPLE
Die Privatwirtschaft schafft viele Arbeitsplätze im Land.
The private sector creates many jobs in the country.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used in connection with 'Privatwirtschaft' (private sector) are 'in der Privatwirtschaft arbeiten' (to work in the private sector), 'in die Privatwirtschaft wechseln' (to move into the private sector), or 'in der Privatwirtschaft tätig sein' (to be employed in the private sector).
EXAMPLE
Nach zehn Jahren im Staatsdienst wechselte sie in die Privatwirtschaft.
After ten years in public service, she moved into the private sector.
Use with 'in'
The preposition 'in' is used with the dative or accusative depending on the context. 'In der Privatwirtschaft' (dative) describes a state or location, while 'in die Privatwirtschaft' (accusative) expresses movement or a change.
EXAMPLE
Die Gehälter sind in der Privatwirtschaft oft höher.
Salaries are often higher in the private sector.
Compare with
confusable
Privatwirtschaft vs Wirtschaft
economy / pub
'die Wirtschaft' and 'die Privatwirtschaft' both talk about economic areas, but their scope is different. 'die Wirtschaft' means the whole system of production, trade, work, and consumption. This can include private companies, state-owned businesses, and many other parts. 'die Privatwirtschaft' means only the part of the economy made up of private, profit-oriented companies. The words are easy to confuse because 'Privatwirtschaft' looks like a more specific form of 'Wirtschaft'. When you are talking generally about the economic situation, use 'Wirtschaft'. When you mean the private sector as opposed to the state, 'Privatwirtschaft' is more precise.
Privatwirtschaft
Nach dem Studium möchte Ali lieber in der Privatwirtschaft arbeiten als im öffentlichen Dienst.
After his studies, Ali would rather work in the private sector than in public service.
Wirtschaft
Die Regierung will die Wirtschaft mit neuen Maßnahmen stärken.
The government wants to strengthen the economy with new measures.