01
unbezahlt
unpaid
Describes an activity, work, or internship for which you receive no money or salary.
example
Er leistet viel unbezahlte Arbeit für den gemeinnützigen Verein.
He does a lot of unpaid work for the nonprofit organization.
unbezahlt
unpaid
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word is made up of the prefix 'un-' and the participle 'bezahlt' (paid). The prefix 'un-' expresses negation, so 'unbezahlt' literally means 'not paid'.
EXAMPLE
Die Rechnung vom letzten Monat ist immer noch unbezahlt.
Last month's bill is still unpaid.
Context clue
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If people talk about 'Arbeit' (work), 'Praktikum' (internship), or 'Überstunden' (overtime), it refers to an activity without pay. If people talk about 'Rechnungen' (bills) or 'Schulden' (debts), it refers to an outstanding financial claim.
EXAMPLE
Sie macht ein unbezahlschtes Praktikum in einer Agentur.
She is doing an unpaid internship at an agency.
Typical collocations
In connection with work, 'unbezahlt' (unpaid) is often used for activities that you do additionally or without compensation. Common combinations are 'unbezahlte Überstunden' (unpaid overtime), 'ein unbezahltes Praktikum' (an unpaid internship), or 'unbezahlter Urlaub' (unpaid leave).
EXAMPLE
Viele junge Leute müssen am Anfang ihrer Karriere unbezahlte Praktika machen.
Many young people have to do unpaid internships at the start of their careers.
Use with 'bleiben'
In the meaning 'not settled', 'unbezahlt' (unpaid) is often used with the verb 'bleiben' (to remain). This expresses that a bill or debt remains outstanding over a longer period of time.
EXAMPLE
Trotz mehrerer Mahnungen blieben die Rechnungen unbezahlt.
Despite several reminders, the bills remained unpaid.
Compare with
unbezahlt vs offen
open
'offen' and 'unbezahlt' can both mean, in financial contexts, that an invoice or debt has not yet been paid. 'offen' is often used in offices, accounting, or everyday life when an amount is still outstanding. 'unbezahlt' says more directly that something has not been paid. Important: 'unbezahlt' can also describe work or an internship for which you receive no money. In this meaning, 'offen' does not fit. So the risk of confusion arises especially with invoices: an 'offene Rechnung' (outstanding invoice) is usually an 'unbezahlte Rechnung' (unpaid invoice).
unbezahlt
Das Praktikum war unbezahlt, aber Lena hat viel gelernt.
The internship was unpaid, but Lena learned a lot.
offen
Bei der Werkstatt ist noch eine Rechnung von letzter Woche offen.
There is still an invoice from last week outstanding at the repair shop.
In real life
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