to strike / stop working
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to strike
For an organized group of employees to refuse to work in order to enforce certain demands, such as higher wages or better working conditions.
Die Mitarbeiter der Fluggesellschaft streiken für mehr Gehalt.
The airline employees are striking for higher pay.
The meaning of 'streiken' (to strike / stop working) depends on the subject. When people 'streiken' (strike), they refuse to work. When a device or body part 'streikt' (stops working), it no longer functions.
Die Piloten streiken morgen für bessere Arbeitszeiten.
The pilots are striking tomorrow for better working hours.
The word 'streiken' (to strike) was borrowed from the English 'to strike' in the 19th century. The basic meaning of stopping work is the same in both languages.
In vielen Ländern ist das Recht zu streiken gesetzlich verankert.
In many countries, the right to strike is enshrined in law.
When stating the reason for a strike, you use the preposition 'für' (+ accusative) for the goal or 'gegen' (+ accusative) for the problem.
Die Angestellten streiken für einen neuen Tarifvertrag.
The employees are striking for a new collective agreement.
The meaning 'to no longer function' is colloquial. It is often used humorously or ironically for devices, machines, or even body parts.
Ich kann dir die E-Mail nicht schicken, weil mein Internet streikt.
I can't send you the email because my internet has stopped working.
to work
'arbeiten' and 'streiken' are opposites here when talking about work. Someone who 'arbeitet' is doing their job. Someone who 'streikt' deliberately refuses to work as part of a group, usually because of pay, working hours, or other conditions. So 'streiken' does not simply mean 'not working'; it is an organized action with a goal.
Die Busfahrer streiken, weil sie bessere Arbeitszeiten wollen.
The bus drivers are striking because they want better working hours.
Viele Menschen arbeiten heute von zu Hause aus.
Many people work from home these days.