German vocabulary for the most common workplaces, such as offices and factories. These words help you talk about where you work and describe different work environments.

Offices

Most people work in an Büro (“office”). Here are some common office-related words.
GermanEnglish
das Bürooffice
der Schreibtischdesk
der Computercomputer
der Stuhlchair
der Schrankcabinet
der Chef / die Chefinboss
die Sekretärinsecretary
das Meetingmeeting
die E-Mailemail
das Dokumentdocument

Factories

Some people work in a Fabrik (“factory”). Here are key words for that setting.
GermanEnglish
die Fabrikfactory
der Arbeiter / die Arbeiterinworker
die Maschinemachine
die Schutzkleidungprotective clothing
der Helmhelmet
die Schichtshift
die Produktionproduction
das Lagerwarehouse
die Schraubescrew
das Werkzeugtool

The machine is broken.


Die Maschine ist kaputt.

"Maschine" means "machine," so this sentence correctly says "The machine is broken."

Shops

People who work in sales often work in a Geschäft (“shop” or “store”). Here are common words.
GermanEnglish
das Geschäftshop/store
der Verkäufer / die Verkäuferinsalesperson
der Kunde / die Kundincustomer
die Kassecash register
das Regalshelf
der Preisprice
das Produktproduct
der Einkaufswagenshopping cart
die Quittungreceipt
öffnento open

Hospitals

Healthcare workers are found in a Krankenhaus (“hospital”). Here are important terms.
GermanEnglish
das Krankenhaushospital
der Arzt / die Ärztindoctor
die Krankenschwesternurse
der Patient / die Patientinpatient
die Behandlungtreatment
der OP (Operationssaal)operating room
die Medizinmedicine
die Rezeptionreception
das Rezeptprescription
die Visiteward round

The reception is near the entrance.


Die Rezeption ist in der Nähe des Eingangs.

"Rezeption" means "reception," so this sentence is correct.

Remote Work

Many people now work from home (Zuhause). These words relate to remote work.
GermanEnglish
das Homeofficehome office
die Videokonferenzvideo conference
flexibelflexible
der Laptoplaptop
die Internetverbindunginternet connection
die Pausebreak
die Ablenkungdistraction
der Arbeitsplatzworkplace
konzentrierento concentrate
arbeitento work

Common Workplace Terms

Here are some general words that can apply to any workplace.
GermanEnglish
der Arbeitsplatzworkplace/job
die Arbeitwork
der Kollege / die Kollegincolleague
der Vertragcontract
die Aufgabetask
die Karrierecareer
der Feierabendend of workday
die Bewerbungapplication
die Bezahlungpayment
kündigento quit
You did it! These should give you a solid foundation to talk about different workplaces in German.

She handed in her resignation.


Sie hat gekündigt.

"kündigen" means "to quit" or "to resign," so "Sie hat gekündigt." means "She handed in her resignation."

Flashcards (1 of 60)

    • English: office

    Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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