Here is a list of common professions in German, suitable for A1 learners, including both the masculine and feminine forms where applicable, along with their English translations:
| German (m/f) | English |
|---|---|
| der Arzt / die Ärztin | doctor |
| der Lehrer / die Lehrerin | teacher |
| der Ingenieur / die Ingenieurin | engineer |
| der Koch / die Köchin | cook/chef |
| der Verkäufer / die Verkäuferin | salesperson |
| der Fahrer / die Fahrerin | driver |
| der Friseur / die Friseurin | hairdresser |
| der Polizist / die Polizistin | police officer |
| der Sekretär / die Sekretärin | secretary |
| der Journalist / die Journalistin | journalist |
| der Fotograf / die Fotografin | photographer |
| der Musiker / die Musikerin | musician |
| der Bauarbeiter / die Bauarbeiterin | construction worker |
| der Apotheker / die Apothekerin | pharmacist |
- Most German professions have distinct masculine (der) and feminine (die) forms, often by changing the ending (-er / -erin).
- Some professions use the same form for both genders, especially in plural or collective senses.
- Knowing both masculine and feminine forms is essential for correct usage and understanding in context.
The correct feminine form for 'Arzt' is 'Ärztin.'
Lehrer/Lehrerin, Koch/Köchin, and Polizist/Polizistin are correct pairs; Schuler is incorrect because the correct term is 'Schüler,' and Meister/Meisterin is less common for basic professional vocabulary.
Conclusion
Common professional titles in German usually come in masculine and feminine forms, which are central to understanding and using the language correctly, especially in everyday contexts like the workplace or school.
- Master the "der/die" distinction and typical suffix changes (-er / -erin)
- Practice with real-world examples and situations for better retention
- Use authoritative sources like Goethe-Institut for reliable vocabulary lists