der  Job

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/dʒɔp/

💼 What exactly does 'der Job' mean?

The word der Job is an Anglicism, meaning it's a loanword from English. In German, it refers to a paid activity or place of work (Arbeitsstelle). Compared to words like Stelle (position) or Beruf (profession/career), 'Job' is often used for shorter-term, less formal, or more specific tasks, but it can also be used synonymously for a permanent position.

• Main meaning: Paid work, employment, task.
• Connotation: Often slightly more informal or temporary than 'Beruf' or 'Stelle'.

⚠️ There is only one article ('der') for the word 'Job' in German.

⚙️ Grammar Deep Dive: Declining 'der Job'

Der Job is a masculine noun. Here is its declension in singular and plural:

📝 Example Sentences

• Er hat einen neuen Job gefunden. (He found a new job. - Accusative Singular)
• Die Anforderungen des Jobs sind hoch. (The requirements of the job are high. - Genitive Singular)
• Mit diesem Job bin ich sehr zufrieden. (I am very satisfied with this job. - Dative Singular)
• In der IT-Branche gibt es viele interessante Jobs. (There are many interesting jobs in the IT industry. - Nominative Plural)
• Die Gehälter der Jobs variieren stark. (The salaries of the jobs vary greatly. - Genitive Plural)

🗣️ How 'Job' is Used in Daily Life

Der Job is a very common word in German colloquial speech, especially when talking about work. It often sounds more modern or casual than die Arbeit (work) or die Stelle (position).

• Typical Uses: Often in compounds like Teilzeitjob (part-time job), Vollzeitjob (full-time job), Nebenjob (side job), Ferienjob (summer job).
• Context: Frequently used in informal conversations, but also appears in job advertisements or professional contexts.
• Distinction:
  • Der Beruf: Refers more to the learned profession or long-term field of activity (e.g., Arzt - doctor, Lehrerin - female teacher).
  • Die Stelle: Denotes a specific position within a company or organization.
  • Die Arbeit: Can mean the activity itself, the workplace, or work in general.
• Expression: "Einen guten Job machen" means "to do a good job".

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Job'

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Mann (the man) or der Kerl (the guy) who has a Job. This helps remember the masculine article.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word 'Job' sounds exactly like the English word 'job' and also means the same thing. It doesn't get much easier than that! 😉

↔️ Similar and Opposite Words

🚨 Note: Although similar, synonyms can have different nuances depending on the context. 'Job' is often more informal.

😂 A Job-Related Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie überhaupt Erfahrung in diesem Job?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Na klar! Ich hatte doch vorher schon fünf Jobs, in denen ich nichts getan habe!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "Do you actually have any experience in this job?"
The employee replies: "Of course! I already had five jobs before this where I did nothing!"

✍️ A Little Poem About the Job

Man braucht ihn dringend, früh bis spät,
Damit das Konto nicht leer steht.
Mal schwer, mal leicht, mal so, mal so,
Der Job macht manche froh.

Er fordert Kraft und oft auch Zeit,
Doch bringt auch Geld und Sicherheit.
Ob Büro, Werkstatt, Feld, ob hier, ob dort,
Ein guter Job ist Goldes wert, an jedem Ort.

Translation:
You need it urgently, early till late,
So the bank account isn't in a poor state.
Sometimes hard, sometimes light, sometimes this way or that,
The job makes some people glad.

It demands strength and often time too,
But also brings money and security for you.
Whether office, workshop, field, whether here or there,
A good job is worth gold, anywhere.

❓ Riddle Time: What am I?

Ich gebe dir Geld, doch nehme deine Zeit.
Ich kann wechseln, mal nah, mal weit.
Manchmal suchst du mich, manchmal hast du mich satt.
Ich bin eine Tätigkeit in der Stadt oder auf dem Land platt.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I give you money, but take your time.
I can change, sometimes near, sometimes far in clime.
Sometimes you seek me, sometimes you've had enough.
I am an activity in the city or flat countryside rough.

What am I?

Solution: der Job (the job)

💡 Other Interesting Facts

• Origin: As mentioned, a loanword from English (job) that has become firmly established in German. It's called an Anglizismus.
• Compounds: Very productive in forming compound words like Traumjob (dream job), Knochenjob (back-breaking job), Minijob (mini-job, specific low-wage employment in Germany), Studentenjob (student job), Hauptjob (main job), Zweitjob (second job), etc.
• Idioms: "Seinen Job kündigen" (to quit one's job), "einen guten Job machen" (to do a good job).