der  Nebenjob

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈneːbənˌdʒɔp/

💼 What Exactly is a Nebenjob?

A Nebenjob (article: der) is a professional activity carried out in addition to a main occupation (like a full-time job or studies). The main motivation is often to earn extra money, but also to gain practical experience or pursue a hobby. The scope is usually smaller than the main activity.

It is a masculine noun, so it's always der Nebenjob.

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Nebenjob

The word "Nebenjob" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Viele Studenten haben einen Nebenjob, um ihr Studium zu finanzieren.
   (Many students have a side job to finance their studies.)
2. Ich suche einen Nebenjob für die Wochenenden.
   (I am looking for a side job for the weekends.)
3. Der Verdienst aus ihrem Nebenjob hilft ihr, die Miete zu bezahlen.
   (The income from her side job helps her pay the rent.)
4. Mit mehreren Nebenjobs kommt er finanziell über die Runden.
   (With several side jobs, he makes ends meet financially.)

💡 How Nebenjob is Used

The term Nebenjob is frequently used in the context of Arbeit (work) and Finanzen (finances). Typical situations include:

• Students working alongside their studies.
• Professionals wanting to earn extra money.
• Individuals on parental leave working a few hours.
• Retirees who want to stay active and supplement their pension.

A Nebenjob is often a Minijob (marginal employment, income limit €538/month as of 2024) or a Midijob, but not necessarily. It differs from the Hauptjob (main job, primary source of income) and a Vollzeitstelle (full-time position). Sometimes it is also called Zweitjob (second job).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of the guy (masculine = der) who needs a job on the side. Der Nebenjob.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word consists of "neben" and "Job". Neben means 'beside' or 'next to'. So, it's a job you do beside or next to something else (your main job, studies).

↔️ Opposites and Similar Words

⚠️ Note: A Teilzeitjob (part-time job) can be a main job; it doesn't have to be a Nebenjob. A Nebenjob is often part-time, but the focus is that it's in addition to something else.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Bäcker einen Nebenjob als Gärtner angefangen?

(Why did the baker start a side job as a gardener?)

Damit er endlich sein eigenes "Mehl" anbauen kann! 😉

(So he could finally grow his own "flour"! [Mehl sounds like 'meal' or 'flour', but here implies 'dough' as in money, playing on the gardening context])

✍️ Poem about the Nebenjob

Der Wecker klingelt, früh am Tag,
Der Hauptjob ruft, keine Frag'.
Doch abends, wenn die Arbeit aus,
Geht's weiter noch, aus dem Haus.
Der Nebenjob, mal hier, mal dort,
Bringt extra Geld an diesen Ort.
Für Träume, Wünsche, klein und groß,
Ist dieser Zusatzjob famos!

(The alarm clock rings, early in the day,
The main job calls, no question.
But evenings, when work is done,
It continues, out of the house.
The side job, sometimes here, sometimes there,
Brings extra money to this place.
For dreams, wishes, small and large,
This additional job is fabulous!)

🤔 Riddle Time

Ich bin nicht die Nummer eins, doch wichtig oft für's Portemonnaie.
Man macht mich meistens abends oder wenn man sonst hat frei.
Ich steh' im Schatten meines Bruders, der den Alltag prägt und lenkt.
Wer bin ich wohl, der zusätzliches Einkommen schenkt?

(I'm not number one, but often important for the wallet.
You usually do me in the evenings or when you otherwise have free time.
I stand in the shadow of my brother, who shapes and directs daily life.
Who am I, granting additional income?)

Solution: Der Nebenjob (The side job)

🧩 Further Information

Word Composition:

The word "Nebenjob" is a compound noun, composed of:

• neben: preposition/adverb, meaning 'beside', 'next to', 'in addition to'.
• Job: noun (from English), meaning 'work', 'position'.

Literally, it means "work on the side".

Cultural Context:

Nebenjobs are very common in Germany, especially among students and low-income earners. They are an important part of the labor market, particularly in the service sector.