die  Anstellung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanˌʃtɛlʊŋ/

💼 What does "die Anstellung" mean?

Die Anstellung (feminine, article 'die') refers to the formal employment relationship between an employer and an employee. It signifies a contractually regulated employment, often also called a position, post, or job.

• Main meaning: The state of being employed; having a job.
• Context: Mostly used in a professional environment, during job searches, contract signings, or when describing one's professional situation.

⚠️ Don't confuse it with 'Einstellung', which can mean both 'recruitment/hiring' and 'attitude'. Die Anstellung is the result of the Einstellung (hiring process).

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar in Detail: Die Anstellung

The word "Anstellung" is a feminine noun. The article is "die". It is declined as follows:

Example Sentences

1. Er hat endlich eine feste Anstellung gefunden.
   (He finally found a permanent position/job.)
2. Die Bedingungen seiner Anstellung sind im Vertrag festgelegt.
   (The conditions of his employment are specified in the contract.)
3. Mit dieser Anstellung ist er sehr zufrieden.
   (He is very satisfied with this employment/job.)
4. Das Unternehmen bietet mehrere attraktive Anstellungen an.
   (The company offers several attractive positions/jobs.)

🗣️ How to use "Anstellung"?

"Anstellung" is mainly used in formal and professional contexts.

• Job search & Application: "Ich suche eine Anstellung als Ingenieur." (I am looking for a position/employment as an engineer.)
• Employment contract: "Die Anstellung beginnt am 1. August." (The employment begins on August 1st.)
• Professional status: "Seine Anstellung bei der Firma ist befristet." (His employment with the company is temporary/fixed-term.)

Comparison with similar words

• Stelle: Very similar and often used synonymously, sometimes slightly more informal ("Ich habe eine neue Stelle." - I have a new position/job.).
• Job: More colloquial, often used for short-term or less qualified work, but can also be used synonymously with Anstellung.
• Arbeit: General term for work, activity, effort. Not necessarily a formal contractual relationship ("Ich gehe zur Arbeit." - I'm going to work.).
• Beruf: Refers to the type of profession or occupation learned or practiced (e.g., teacher, doctor), not the specific employment contract.

💡 Mnemonics for "die Anstellung"

Article 'die'

Remember: Words ending in -ung in German are almost always feminine ('die'). Think of other work-related words: die Bewerbung (application), die Kündigung (termination), die Stellung (position). So, it's die Anstellung. It's THE position someone holds.

Meaning 'Employment/Job'

Imagine someone being put an (at/on) a specific Stelle (spot/position) in a company. They receive an Anstellung (employment).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for Anstellung

⚠️ Similar but different words

• Einstellung: Can mean 'Hiring' (the process of employing someone) or 'Attitude'. Die Anstellung (the employment) is the result of die Einstellung (the hiring).
• Bestellung: Order (e.g., in a restaurant or online shop).

😂 A little joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie Hobbys?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, ich suche gerne nach einer besseren Anstellung."

--- Translation ---

The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have any hobbies?"
The employee replies: "Yes, I enjoy looking for a better job."

✒️ Poem about Anstellung

Der Vertrag liegt bereit,
Ein Ende der Wartezeit.
Mit Unterschrift besiegelt nun,
Beginnt die Anstellung - viel zu tun!
Ein neuer Job, ein neues Glück,
Man blickt nach vorn, nicht mehr zurück.

--- Translation ---

The contract lies ready,
An end to the waiting time, steady.
Sealed now with a signature,
Begins the employment - much to endure (or: lots to do)!
A new job, a new fortune's gleam,
Looking forward, a waking dream.

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin ein Vertrag, doch nicht aus Papier allein.
Ich gebe dir Arbeit und oft auch Lohnschein.
Man sucht mich, wenn man ohne Job,
Und freut sich, findet man mich flott.

Was bin ich? ... Die Anstellung

--- Translation ---

I am a contract, but not of paper alone.
I give you work and often a payslip shown.
People search for me when jobless they roam,
And rejoice when they quickly find me their home.

What am I?
... Die Anstellung (Employment/Job)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition

The word "Anstellung" is a noun derived from the verb "anstellen". It consists of:

• Prefix "an-"
• Stem of the verb "stellen" (to put, place, set)
• Suffix "-ung" (typically used to form feminine nouns from verbs)

"Anstellen" here means something like "to place someone in a position/post", i.e., to employ or hire someone.