self-employment / independence
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self-employment
The professional activity of running your own business or working freelance, rather than being employed by an employer.
Nach zehn Jahren im Büro wagte sie den Schritt in die Selbständigkeit.
After ten years in the office, she took the step into self-employment.
The word is derived from the adjective 'selbständig' (independent/self-employed). It consists of 'selbst' (self) and 'ständig' (from 'stehen' (to stand)) and literally means the state of 'standing on your own two feet.' The ending '-keit' turns it into a noun.
Er liebt seine Selbständigkeit und möchte nie wieder für einen Chef arbeiten.
He loves his self-employment and never wants to work for a boss again.
In a professional context, the phrase 'der Schritt in die Selbständigkeit' (the step into self-employment) or 'der Weg in die Selbständigkeit' (the path into self-employment) is very common. It describes the process of starting your own business.
Der Weg in die Selbständigkeit erfordert Mut und eine gute Planung.
The path into self-employment requires courage and good planning.
The meaning becomes clear from the context. If it is about 'Beruf' (profession/job) or 'Firma' (company), it refers to professional activity. With 'Kindern' (children) or 'Erziehung' (upbringing/education), it is about autonomy. In connection with 'Staat' (state) or 'Land' (country), it refers to political independence.
Viele träumen von der beruflichen Selbständigkeit.
Many people dream of professional self-employment.
When it is about personal autonomy, 'Selbständigkeit' (independence) is often combined with verbs such as 'fördern' (to encourage/promote), 'unterstützen' (to support), 'erlangen' (to attain), or 'bewahren' (to preserve/maintain).
Im Alter ist es vielen Menschen wichtig, ihre Selbständigkeit zu bewahren.
In old age, it is important to many people to maintain their independence.
independence
'Unabhängigkeit' and 'Selbständigkeit' can both mean that someone or something can act without outside help or control. 'Unabhängigkeit' often sounds more strongly like freedom from influence, control, or support. It is used for people, states, and also institutions. 'Selbständigkeit' fits especially well when someone does things on their own, makes their own decisions, or takes care of themselves in everyday life. In addition, 'Selbständigkeit' has an important professional meaning: you work for yourself and are not employed. This is why learners may confuse the words. For personal freedom, both are possible, but for having your own professional activity, you normally say 'Selbständigkeit', not 'Unabhängigkeit'.
Nach zehn Jahren im Büro plant Paul den Schritt in die Selbständigkeit.
After ten years in the office, Paul is planning the move into self-employment.
Viele Jugendliche möchten mit der ersten eigenen Wohnung mehr Unabhängigkeit gewinnen.
Many teenagers want to gain more independence with their first apartment of their own.