self-employed / independent
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self-employed
Working professionally on one's own account and responsibility, not in an employment relationship.
Nach einigen Jahren in der Agentur hat sie sich als Designerin selbstständig gemacht.
After a few years at the agency, she became self-employed as a designer.
The word is made up of 'selbst' (self) and 'ständig' (constant/standing). 'Ständig' is derived from 'stehen' (to stand). So 'selbstständig' (self-employed / independent) literally means that someone 'stands on their own two feet' and is not dependent on others.
Er wollte immer schon selbstständig sein und seine eigenen Entscheidungen treffen.
He had always wanted to be independent and make his own decisions.
To express that someone starts their own business, the fixed expression 'sich selbstständig machen' (to become self-employed) is used. It is a reflexive verb.
Sie plant, sich nächstes Jahr mit einem kleinen Café selbstständig zu machen.
She is planning to become self-employed next year with a small café.
When naming the profession of a self-employed person, you often use the structure 'als [Beruf] selbstständig sein' (to be self-employed as a [profession]) or 'selbstständig arbeiten' (to work independently / be self-employed).
Mein Bruder arbeitet als selbstständiger Fotograf.
My brother works as a self-employed photographer.
In the meaning 'unabhängig' (independent), 'selbstständig' often describes a personal quality or ability, especially in children or learners. It emphasizes that someone manages without help.
Die Kinder sind schon alt genug, um selbstständig zur Schule zu gehen.
The children are already old enough to go to school independently.
This meaning is typical in technical contexts. It describes machines, programs, or processes that function without human control.
Der Staubsaugerroboter reinigt die Wohnung völlig selbstständig.
The robot vacuum cleans the apartment completely autonomously.
alone / only
'allein' and 'selbstständig' can both mean that someone does something without help. The difference is in the focus: 'allein' mainly says that no other person is helping or present. 'selbstständig' says more about a person's ability: they can plan and do something independently. Learners may confuse the words because both fit situations without help. If you only want to say that no one is helping, 'allein' fits. If you want to emphasize that someone can act independently and confidently, 'selbstständig' is more precise.
Nach ein paar Wochen arbeitet der neue Kollege schon sehr selbstständig.
After a few weeks, the new colleague is already working very independently.
Meine Freundin baut das Regal allein auf, weil niemand Zeit hat.
My friend is putting the shelf together on her own because no one has time.