German occupational vocabulary covers a wide range of professions, workplace terms, and job-related expressions. From der Lehrer (teacher) to die Bewerbung (job application), these words are essential for discussing careers, job searches, and daily work life.
  • Common Professions: A1-B2: der Arzt, die Ärztin (doctor), der Ingenieur (engineer), die Verkäuferin (saleswoman), der Friseur (hairdresser), die Sekretärin (secretary), der Koch (chef), etc.
  • Workplace Vocabulary: Important terms like der Chef (boss), die Stelle (position), das Gehalt (salary), der Vertrag (contract), die Arbeitszeit (working hours), befristet (temporary), vollzeit (full-time), etc.

Common Professions

Common professions include *der Arzt* (doctor), *der Lehrer* (teacher), *der Ingenieur* (engineer), *die Verkäuferin* (saleswoman).
German names for professions often have gendered forms: der Arzt (male doctor) / die Ärztin (female doctor). Knowing both forms helps in understanding and using job titles correctly.
ProfessionGerman (m/f)English
DoctorArzt / ÄrztinDoctor
TeacherLehrer / LehrerinTeacher
EngineerIngenieur / IngenieurinEngineer
SalespersonVerkäufer / VerkäuferinSalesperson
HairdresserFriseur / FriseurinHairdresser
SecretarySekretär / SekretärinSecretary
Chef/CookKoch / KöchinChef / Cook
*Ingenieur* is the German word for engineer.
🎨 Common Professions in German

Workplace Vocabulary

Workplace terms include *das Gehalt* (salary), *der Vertrag* (contract), *die Arbeitszeit* (working hours), *die Bewerbung* (application).
German workplace vocabulary helps you talk about job conditions, contracts, and daily routines.
TermGermanEnglish
Bossder ChefBoss
Job Applicationdie BewerbungApplication
Salarydas GehaltSalary
Contractder VertragContract
Working Hoursdie ArbeitszeitWorking Hours
Positiondie StellePosition/Job
TemporarybefristetTemporary
Full-timeVollzeitFull-time
*Gehalt* is a common term for 'salary' in German.
🎨 German Workplace Vocabulary

Conclusion

German occupational vocabulary spans from specific job titles to essential workplace terms, making it easier to navigate career-related conversations and documents.
  • Learn both masculine and feminine forms of professions.
  • Understand key workplace terms for contracts, salaries, and job conditions.
  • Practice with real-world examples and German job ads for best results.