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.
independent
Able to do things without outside help or guidance; self-reliant and independent.
Für sein Alter ist das Kind schon erstaunlich selbstständig.
For his age, the child is already surprisingly independent.
autonomous
Referring to devices or processes: functioning autonomously, without human intervention being required.
Die Software führt nachts selbstständig alle notwendigen Updates durch.
The software autonomously carries out all necessary updates at night.
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.
independent
Both words can mean that a person acts without support. „Selbstständig“ (independently) mainly emphasizes the ability to complete a task without help or guidance, while „unabhängig“ (independent) denies an existing relationship of dependence. Use „selbstständig“ for carrying out an action and „unabhängig“ for the relationship with others.
Im neuen Job erledigt Lea die Aufgabe selbstständig ohne Anleitung.
In her new job, Lea completes the task independently, without guidance.
Als freie Journalistin arbeitet Lea unabhängig von einem bestimmten Verlag.
As a freelance journalist, Lea works independently of any particular publisher.
