self-employed / independent
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self-employed
Working professionally on one's own account and responsibility, not as an employee in a company. Synonymous with 'freelance'.
Nach vielen Jahren als Angestellte hat sie sich als Grafikdesignerin selbständig gemacht.
After many years as an employee, she became self-employed as a graphic designer.
The word is made up of 'selbst' (self) and 'ständig' (from 'stehen', to stand). So the literal idea is that someone or something 'stands on its own feet' and is not dependent on others.
Als selbständiger Berater kann er seine Arbeitszeit frei einteilen.
As a self-employed consultant, he can organize his working hours freely.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In a professional context, 'selbständig' (self-employed) usually means 'freelance'. When referring to people, it describes independence in action. When referring to objects, it means that they are separate and independent.
Er arbeitet als selbständiger Programmierer für verschiedene Firmen.
He works as a self-employed programmer for various companies.
The fixed expression 'sich selbständig machen' means to start working freelance or to found one's own company. The verb 'machen' (to make/do) is often used here.
Sie träumt davon, sich mit einem eigenen Café selbständig zu machen.
She dreams of becoming self-employed with her own café.
'Selbständig' can also be used as an adverb and then means 'without help'. It describes how an action is carried out.
Die Kinder haben das Problem ganz selbständig gelöst.
The children solved the problem completely independently.
independent
'unabhängig' and 'selbständig' can both mean that someone or something does not constantly need help or control from others. 'unabhängig' emphasizes more strongly that you are not determined, paid for, or influenced by others. 'selbständig' emphasizes more strongly that you do something on your own and under your own responsibility. In a work context, 'selbständig' also often means: not employed, but working on your own account. Learners easily confuse the words because both have to do with freedom and independence. As a guide: 'unabhängig' is more about the question 'Whom or what does it depend on?', while 'selbständig' is more about 'Can someone do it on their own?'
Max arbeitet seit zwei Jahren selbständig und hat ein kleines Büro zu Hause.
Max has been self-employed for two years and has a small office at home.
Nach ihrem Studium möchte Lisa finanziell unabhängig von ihren Eltern sein.
After her studies, Lisa wants to be financially independent from her parents.