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.
German | English |
---|---|
das Büro | office |
der Schreibtisch | desk |
der Computer | computer |
der Stuhl | chair |
der Schrank | cabinet |
der Chef / die Chefin | boss |
die Sekretärin | secretary |
das Meeting | meeting |
die E-Mail | |
das Dokument | document |
Factories
Some people work in a Fabrik (“factory”). Here are key words for that setting.
German | English |
---|---|
die Fabrik | factory |
der Arbeiter / die Arbeiterin | worker |
die Maschine | machine |
die Schutzkleidung | protective clothing |
der Helm | helmet |
die Schicht | shift |
die Produktion | production |
das Lager | warehouse |
die Schraube | screw |
das Werkzeug | tool |
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.
German | English |
---|---|
das Geschäft | shop/store |
der Verkäufer / die Verkäuferin | salesperson |
der Kunde / die Kundin | customer |
die Kasse | cash register |
das Regal | shelf |
der Preis | price |
das Produkt | product |
der Einkaufswagen | shopping cart |
die Quittung | receipt |
öffnen | to open |
Hospitals
Healthcare workers are found in a Krankenhaus (“hospital”). Here are important terms.
German | English |
---|---|
das Krankenhaus | hospital |
der Arzt / die Ärztin | doctor |
die Krankenschwester | nurse |
der Patient / die Patientin | patient |
die Behandlung | treatment |
der OP (Operationssaal) | operating room |
die Medizin | medicine |
die Rezeption | reception |
das Rezept | prescription |
die Visite | ward 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.
German | English |
---|---|
das Homeoffice | home office |
die Videokonferenz | video conference |
flexibel | flexible |
der Laptop | laptop |
die Internetverbindung | internet connection |
die Pause | break |
die Ablenkung | distraction |
der Arbeitsplatz | workplace |
konzentrieren | to concentrate |
arbeiten | to work |
Common Workplace Terms
Here are some general words that can apply to any workplace.
German | English |
---|---|
der Arbeitsplatz | workplace/job |
die Arbeit | work |
der Kollege / die Kollegin | colleague |
der Vertrag | contract |
die Aufgabe | task |
die Karriere | career |
der Feierabend | end of workday |
die Bewerbung | application |
die Bezahlung | payment |
kündigen | to 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