das  Kurzarbeitergeld

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʊrtsaʁbaɪ̯tɐɡɛlt/

💰 What exactly is das Kurzarbeitergeld?

Das Kurzarbeitergeld (Kug) is a benefit provided by the German unemployment insurance system (Arbeitslosenversicherung). It is paid by the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) when a company experiences a significant loss of working hours with corresponding loss of earnings due to economic reasons (e.g., lack of orders) or an unavoidable event (e.g., natural disaster, pandemic).

The goal of Kurzarbeitergeld is to preserve jobs and avoid layoffs. Employees receive a portion of their lost net pay, even though they work less or not at all. The employer applies for and pays out the Kurzarbeitergeld to the employees and is then reimbursed by the Employment Agency.

It is a neuter noun: das Kurzarbeitergeld.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Kurzarbeitergeld

The word "Kurzarbeitergeld" is a noun of neuter gender (Neutrum). It is almost exclusively used in the singular form because it refers collectively to a financial benefit. The plural form is uncommon.

Example Sentences

1. Viele Betriebe beantragten während der Pandemie das Kurzarbeitergeld.
   (Many companies applied for the short-time work allowance during the pandemic.)
2. Die Höhe des Kurzarbeitergeldes hängt vom vorherigen Einkommen ab.
   (The amount of the short-time work allowance depends on the previous income.)
3. Mit dem Kurzarbeitergeld konnten viele Entlassungen verhindert werden.
   (With the short-time work allowance, many layoffs could be prevented.)
4. Der Arbeitgeber zahlt das Kurzarbeitergeld zunächst an die Mitarbeiter aus.
   (The employer initially pays out the short-time work allowance to the employees.)

🏢 When and How is Kurzarbeitergeld Used?

Kurzarbeitergeld is typically used in the following situations:

• Economic Crises: During recessions or sector-specific downturns with a lack of orders.
• Unavoidable Events: In cases of natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, or pandemics that make production or service delivery impossible.
• Structural Changes: Sometimes used as a bridging measure during company restructuring (often referred to as Transferkurzarbeitergeld in this context).

It is a crucial instrument of German labor market policy. It helps stabilize employees' incomes and retain skilled workers within companies, allowing work to resume quickly once the crisis is overcome. The term is firmly established in the social law and economic context.

Important: It is an insurance benefit (Versicherungsleistung), not general social welfare. Eligibility requires employment subject to social security contributions.

🧠 Mnemonics for Article and Meaning

For the article (das): Think of the word "Geld" (money). Money in German is neuter: das Geld. Therefore, Kurzarbeitergeld is also neuter: das Kurzarbeitergeld.

For the meaning: Imagine: You do short (kurz) work (Arbeit), but still get (some) money (Geld). -> Kurz-Arbeiter-Geld -> Short-time worker money.

↔️ Related Terms: Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar, but distinct terms

• Transferkurzarbeitergeld: A specific form supporting employees during workforce reductions, often combined with qualification measures for new jobs.
• Saison-Kurzarbeitergeld: Specifically for industries with seasonal work interruptions (e.g., construction in winter).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef: "Na, Müller, wie läuft's im Homeoffice mit Kurzarbeit?"
Müller: "Super! Ich arbeite jetzt nur noch halbtags – von 9 bis 9!"

(Translation: The boss asks: "Well, Müller, how's working from home with short-time work going?"
Müller: "Great! I'm only working half-days now – from 9 am to 9 pm!")

✍️ Kurzarbeitergeld in Verse

Die Arbeit ruht, die Zeit steht still,
Ein Virus kam, ganz ohne Will'.
Doch statt Entlassung, Angst und Not,
Gibt's Hilfe nun vom deutschen Boot.
Das Kurzarbeitergeld, so heißt es fein,
Lässt Lohn zum Teil noch bei dir sein.
So hoffen wir auf bess're Zeit,
Für Arbeit wieder gern bereit.

(Translation:
Work rests, time stands still,
A virus came, against our will.
But instead of layoff, fear, and need,
Help comes now from Germany's deed.
The short-time work allowance, it's finely named,
Lets part of the wage still be claimed.
So we hope for a better time ahead,
Ready for work again, out of bed.)

❓ Who am I? A Little Riddle

Ich bin kein volles Gehalt, doch besser als nichts.
Ich komme, wenn Arbeit fehlt, angesichts
Von Krisen, von Flaute, von mancherlei Not.
Ich helfe Betrieben, halt' Jobs im Lot.
Die Agentur für Arbeit zahlt mich aus,
Damit kommst du finanziell besser durchs Haus.

Wie heiß ich? (Und vergiss den Artikel nicht!)

(Translation:
I'm not a full salary, but better than naught.
I come when work is lacking, when companies caught
In crises, in slumps, in various kinds of need.
I help businesses, keep jobs indeed.
The Employment Agency pays me out, you see,
Helping you manage financially.

What's my name? (And don't forget the article!)

Solution: das Kurzarbeitergeld

🧩 Composition & Trivia

The word "Kurzarbeitergeld" is a compound noun, composed of three parts:

• Kurz: Meaning "short", referring to the reduced working hours.
• Arbeiter: Meaning "worker", referring to the person whose work is reduced (originally for blue-collar workers, now relevant for all employees - Arbeitnehmer).
• Geld: Meaning "money", referring to the financial benefit.

Trivia:

• The instrument of Kurzarbeitergeld has a long tradition in Germany, dating back to the early 20th century.
• It is internationally regarded as a successful model for stabilizing the labor market during crises.
• The responsible authority for administration and payment is the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency).