Back to Smart Translate

Dictionary

Beruf

German → American English

American English

Profession

Eine regelmäßige berufliche Tätigkeit, mit der man seinen Lebensunterhalt verdient.

Mein Beruf ist Lehrer.

Beruf is the standard word for someone’s profession or occupation. Use Arbeit more for “work” in general, and Job for an informal or temporary job.

Explore nearby vocabulary picked for learners studying this word.

Frequently asked questions

What does “Beruf” mean in English?
“Beruf” means “profession,” “occupation,” or “job,” depending on the context.
What is the difference between “Beruf” and “Job”?
“Beruf” is more formal and refers to a profession or occupation. “Job” is more informal and often means a temporary or casual job.
How do you say “What is your profession?” in German?
You can say: “Was ist Ihr Beruf?” or informal “Was ist dein Beruf?”
Can “Beruf” mean “career”?
Sometimes, but “career” is often better translated as “Karriere” or “Laufbahn” depending on the context.