01
das Werk
plant
A large industrial facility where products are manufactured or processed; a factory.
example
Mein Vater hat 30 Jahre lang im selben Werk gearbeitet.
My father worked at the same plant for 30 years.
das Werk
plant / work
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'das Werk' (plant/work) is related to the verb 'wirken' (to work, to have an effect). This connection to the idea of creating and working appears in all its meanings.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Medikament wirkt sehr schnell.
This medication works very quickly.
Two main meanings
'Das Werk' has two very different main meanings: a factory or an artistic product. The context (industry vs. culture) always makes clear what is meant.
EXAMPLE
Das Auto wird in einem großen Werk in Bayern gebaut.
The car is built in a large plant in Bavaria.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Fabrik' (factory), 'Werk' is often used with verbs like 'arbeiten' (to work), 'schließen' (to close), 'eröffnen' (to open), or 'besichtigen' (to tour/visit). It also often appears with the name of the company.
EXAMPLE
Er arbeitet seit 20 Jahren im BMW-Werk in München.
He has worked at the BMW plant in Munich for 20 years.
Typical collocations
When referring to an artistic product, typical verbs are 'schaffen' (to create), 'veröffentlichen' (to publish/release), 'interpretieren' (to interpret), or 'analysieren' (to analyze). It is often combined with adjectives like 'berühmt' (famous), 'spät' (late), or 'unvollendet' (unfinished).
EXAMPLE
Der Autor hat gerade sein neustes Werk veröffentlicht.
The author has just published his newest work.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'sich ans Werk machen' (to get to work) means to begin a piece of work. It is a reflexive construction that always takes the preposition 'an' with the accusative (ans = an das).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben genug geplant, lasst uns endlich ans Werk machen!
We've planned enough; let's finally get to work!
Fixed expression
The phrase 'am Werk sein' (to be at work) describes that someone is active, often unseen. It frequently has a negative or mysterious connotation, as if something suspicious is happening.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei ist sicher, dass hier Einbrecher am Werk waren.
The police are sure that burglars were at work here.
Compare with
Werk vs Arbeit
work
'die Arbeit' and 'das Werk' can both refer to the result of effort or creative activity. 'die Arbeit' is more general and can refer to a task, a project, or also a paper for school or university. 'das Werk' is used more for a finished artistic or literary result, for example a book, a painting, or music. Learners may confuse the words because both can be something that has been created. For normal tasks, you almost always say 'Arbeit'; for art, literature, or a person's complete body of work, 'Werk' fits better.
Werk
Im Museum sehen wir ein bekanntes Werk von Paul Klee.
At the museum, we see a well-known work by Paul Klee.
Arbeit
Am Wochenende schreibe ich an meiner Arbeit für die Schule weiter.
At the weekend, I will continue writing my paper for school.
In real life
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