self-employment / independence
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self-employment
The professional situation in which a person works on their own account and at their own risk and is not employed as an employee by an employer.
Nach vielen Jahren als Angestellte wagte sie den Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit.
After many years as an employee, she dared to take the step into self-employment.
independence
The personal ability and quality of acting independently of help from others, making one's own decisions, and taking care of oneself.
Die Erziehung zielt darauf ab, die Selbstständigkeit der Kinder zu fördern.
The aim of the upbringing is to promote the children's independence.
The word is derived from the adjective 'selbstständig' (independent/self-employed), which consists of 'selbst' (self) and 'ständig' (in the sense of 'standing'). It literally describes the state of 'standing on one's own two feet.'
Mit 18 Jahren genoss er seine neue Selbstständigkeit.
At 18, he enjoyed his new independence.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If it is about work, a company, or finances, professional self-employment is meant. If it is about upbringing, personal development, or everyday skills, personal independence is meant.
Er plant den Sprung in die Selbstständigkeit als IT-Berater.
He is planning the leap into self-employment as an IT consultant.
In a professional context, the expressions 'der Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit' (the step into self-employment) or 'der Sprung in die Selbstständigkeit' (the leap into self-employment) are often used. This emphasizes that it is an important decision.
Viele fürchten den Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit wegen des finanziellen Risikos.
Many people fear the step into self-employment because of the financial risk.
In a personal context, 'Selbstständigkeit' (independence) is often combined with verbs such as 'fördern' (to promote), 'unterstützen' (to support), 'erlangen' (to gain), or 'bewahren' (to preserve).
Gute Eltern fördern die Selbstständigkeit ihrer Kinder.
Good parents promote their children's independence.
independence
Unabhängigkeit emphasizes that a person does not depend on support from others. Selbstständigkeit more strongly refers to their ability to handle tasks independently and take care of themselves. Having one's own income is more likely to create Unabhängigkeit, while organizing things independently demonstrates Selbstständigkeit.
Nora zeigt Selbstständigkeit, indem sie ihren Haushalt ohne Hilfe organisiert.
Nora demonstrates self-reliance by managing her household without help.
Durch ihr eigenes Einkommen gewann Nora finanzielle Unabhängigkeit von ihren Eltern.
Her own income gave Nora financial independence from her parents.
