arbeiten

verb [ˈaʁbaɪ̯tn̩]

Translation

work, function, gnaw at, trouble, warp, be employed

Some translations were made by AI and may be inaccurate.

Meanings

1. intr. work — being mentally or physically active, acting purposefully to achieve a result

   Wir arbeiten gemeinsam an einem Wörterbuch.
   We are working together on a dictionary.

2. intr. work, function — being in operation, such as a machine or system

   Seit der Reparatur arbeitet die Maschine ohne Unterbrechung.
   Since the repair, the machine has been working without interruption.

3. impers., intr. gnaw at, trouble — being mentally occupied, an internal process connected with feelings

   Viele Schmähungen musste er ertragen, fortan arbeitete es in seinem Herzen.
   He had to endure many insults; from then on, it worked away in his heart.

4. impers., intr. warp — wood or other material: warping due to changes in temperature and humidity

   Was ist der Unterschied zwischen einem Beamten und einem Stück Holz?“ – „Holz arbeitet!
   What is the difference between a civil servant and a piece of wood? – Wood works!

5. intr. be employed, work — being in an employment relationship, being gainfully employed

   Ab Montag arbeite ich Teilzeit.
   Starting Monday, I am working part-time.

Principal parts

Infinitiv

arbeiten

Präteritum

arbeitete

Partizip II

gearbeitet

Conjugation

Government

• an + Dativ — Er arbeitet an einem neuen Projekt.

Synonyms

• gehen
• laufen
• schaffen
• funktionieren
• handeln
• wirken
• betätigen
• schuften
• ackern
• gären
• werkeln
• rackern

Contrasting words

• kaputt
• ruhen
• erholen
• defekt
• faulenzen
• ausgestellt sein
• abgestellt sein

Expressions

• arbeiten wie ein Pferd
• arbeiten wie ein Ochse
• Hand in Hand arbeiten