Arbeit and Job are both German nouns related to "work," but they have distinct meanings and usages.
- Arbeit (die Arbeit, singular, no typical plural for the general concept) means work in a broad sense—covering any kind of effort, employment, or labor, including both paid and unpaid, permanent work, and even the concept of "working."
- Job (der Job, masculine) refers to a job in the narrower sense of an employment position, often implying something concrete, specific, and sometimes temporary or part-time. It's a more modern, borrowed term and is typically used for actual employment roles, especially when emphasizing the position itself.
| Aspect | Arbeit | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Work (general, both sides) | Job (specific position) |
| Usage | Daily work, effort, career | Employment, position, role |
| Typical contexts | Office, home, life, career | Employment contracts, roles |
| Connotation | Broader, more formal | More specific, casual, modern |
**Arbeit** covers both paid and unpaid activities, as well as the general concept of work.
Use **Job** for specific employment positions, especially if they're temporary or part-time. Don't use it for general work.
Examples
Arbeit
- Ich habe viel Arbeit.
I have a lot of work.
(Arbeit as the workload or effort, not just a 'job')
- Wann fängst du mit der Arbeit an?
When do you start working?
(Arbeit used for the activity of working)
- Sie sucht Arbeit.
She is looking for work.
(Arbeit as employment in general, not a specific job)
- Arbeit macht das Leben sinnvoll.
Work makes life meaningful.
(Philosophical/general use of Arbeit)
Job
- Ich habe einen neuen Job.
I have a new job.
(Job as a specific position)
- Sein Job ist es, Kunden zu beraten.
His job is to advise customers.
(Job as a defined role)
- Sie hat einen Nebenjob als Kellnerin.
She has a side job as a waitress.
(Job for part-time/temporary employment)
- Bist du zufrieden mit deinem Job?
Are you happy with your job?
(Job as the concrete position someone holds)
Arbeit is used for 'work' in general, including the workload you have to do.
Job is used for a (temp) employment position, so 'Sie hat einen temporären Job' is correct.
Yes, Arbeit can be used for 'work' as a concept (including effort) and for 'work' as employment.
You would use Arbeit, as it covers work in a broad sense, including study and effort.
Conclusion
Arbeit is the go-to word for "work" in a broad, general sense, while Job is perfect for pinpointing specific, often paid employment roles—especially modern, temporary, or part-time positions.
- Use Arbeit for anything from doing chores to building a career.
- Reach for Job when talking about a concrete position someone holds (or held).