die  Erwerbstätigkeit

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛʁˈvɛʁpstɛːtɪçkaɪ̯t/

📖 What does "die Erwerbstätigkeit" mean?

Die Erwerbstätigkeit (feminine, article: die) refers to the engagement in an activity aimed at economic gain. It's the general term for any form of work through which income is generated, whether self-employed or employed.

Essentially, it means:

• Paid work: The activity is carried out with the goal of earning money or securing an income.
• Economic activity: It contributes to the production of goods or the provision of services.
• Distinction: It differs from unpaid work like housework, volunteering, or education/training (although paid apprenticeships can count as Erwerbstätigkeit).

⚠️ It's a rather formal term, frequently used in statistics, official documents, and economic or sociological discussions.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Die Erwerbstätigkeit

"Erwerbstätigkeit" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Declension:

Singular:

Plural:

The plural "die Erwerbstätigkeiten" is relatively rare and usually used when referring to different types of gainful activities or the activities of several people.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Erwerbstätigkeit ist für viele Menschen die Grundlage ihrer Existenz.
   (Gainful employment is the basis of existence for many people.)
2. Der Anteil der Frauen an der Erwerbstätigkeit hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten zugenommen.
   (The participation of women in gainful employment has increased in recent decades.)
3. Nach langer Krankheit nahm er seine Erwerbstätigkeit wieder auf.
   (After a long illness, he resumed his gainful employment.)
4. Statistiken zur Erwerbstätigkeit sind wichtige Wirtschaftsindikatoren.
   (Statistics on gainful employment are important economic indicators.)

🗣️ How to use "Erwerbstätigkeit"?

The term Erwerbstätigkeit is primarily used in formal contexts:

• Statistics and Economics: To describe the labor market, employment rates (Erwerbstätigenquote), etc.
• Law and Administration: In laws, regulations, applications (e.g., for social benefits, pension insurance).
• Sociology and Politics: In discussions about labor market policy, social strata, gender roles.

Comparison with similar words:

• Arbeit: More general term for 'work', can also include unpaid activities (Hausarbeit - housework, Gartenarbeit - garden work). Erwerbstätigkeit is specifically paid work.
• Beruf: Refers to a specific 'profession' or 'occupation' that is learned or practiced, involving specific qualifications (e.g., doctor, teacher, craftsman). Erwerbstätigkeit is the broader category, including unskilled or changing jobs.
• Beschäftigung: Very similar to Erwerbstätigkeit, often used synonymously for 'employment'. Sometimes emphasizes the aspect of being employed by someone.
• Job: Colloquial term for a 'job' or position, less formal than Erwerbstätigkeit.

For instance, one might speak of the "Aufnahme einer Erwerbstätigkeit" (taking up gainful employment) or the "Dauer der Erwerbstätigkeit" (duration of gainful employment). It's not a word typically used frequently in casual everyday conversation unless discussing these specific topics.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article (die): Nouns ending in -keit are almost always feminine in German. Think of Fähigkeit (ability), Möglichkeit (possibility), Heiterkeit (cheerfulness)... and of course, Erwerbstätigkeit. They all need die!

For the meaning: Break down the word: Erwerb (acquisition, usually of money) + Tätigkeit (activity). So: An activity for acquisition (of income). You are tätig (active) to erwerben (acquire) something.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms for Erwerbstätigkeit

🚨 Caution: Although similar, these terms are not always interchangeable. Erwerbstätigkeit is often the most precise and formal term in official contexts.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Haben Sie Hobbys neben Ihrer Erwerbstätigkeit?"
Sagt der Mitarbeiter: "Ja, ich suche nach einer besseren Erwerbstätigkeit!"

(Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Do you have any hobbies besides your gainful employment?"
The employee replies: "Yes, looking for better gainful employment!")

✍️ Poem about Erwerbstätigkeit

Die Mühle mahlt, der Hammer schlägt,
Der Geist entwirft, die Hand bewegt.
Für Lohn und Brot, tagaus, tagein,
Soll dies die Erwerbstätigkeit sein.

Mal leicht, mal schwer, mal grau, mal bunt,
Hält sie die Wirtschaft erst gesund.
Ein Rad im Werk, ob groß, ob klein,
So fließt das Leben, soll es sein.

(Translation:
The mill grinds, the hammer strikes,
The mind designs, the hand moves.
For wages and bread, day out, day in,
This shall be the gainful employment.

Sometimes easy, sometimes hard, sometimes grey, sometimes colorful,
It keeps the economy healthy.
A wheel in the works, whether big or small,
So life flows, as it should be.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin nicht immer ein Vergnügen,
doch ohne mich kann's Armut geben.
Ich sorge für dein täglich Brot,
ob im Büro, ob auf dem Boot.
Statistiker lieben meine Zahl,
ich bin... na klar, ganz ohne Qual?

(Translation:
I am not always a pleasure,
but without me, there can be poverty.
I provide for your daily bread,
whether in the office or on a boat.
Statisticians love my number,
I am... of course, without torture?)

(Solution: die Erwerbstätigkeit / gainful employment)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

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

• der Erwerb: (The acquisition) Gaining something, usually income or property.
• tätig: (Active, working) Adjective for being active, doing something.
• -keit: Suffix used to form feminine nouns expressing a quality or state.

Statistical Significance:

The Erwerbstätigenquote (employment rate, literally 'rate of the gainfully employed') is a key indicator of a country's economic situation and labor market.