Before you start
Meet arbeiten
Read how the verb is used, then write your own 10 sentences with it.
All 9 meanings
- (intransitive) to work (to do a specific task by employing physical or mental powers) [with an (+ dative)]
- (intransitive) to work, function, run, operate (to be operative, in action)
- (intransitive) to ferment (to react, using fermentation)
- (intransitive) to work, execute (to set into action)
- (transitive, briefly artisanal) to make, produce (to create)
- (transitive, only with pronouns like etwas, nichts) to do, perform (to carry out or execute, especially something involving work)
Forms
How arbeiten changes
| Pronoun | Präsens | Präteritum |
|---|---|---|
| ich | arbeite | arbeitete |
| du | arbeitest | arbeitetest |
| er/sie/es | arbeitet | arbeitete |
| wir | arbeiten | arbeiteten |
| ihr | arbeitet | arbeitetet |
| Sie | arbeiten | arbeiteten |
Partizip II gearbeitet · Perfekt with haben
Three examples
- 1Ich arbeite heute im Büro.I’m working in the office today.present main clause
- 2Wir haben gestern lange gearbeitet.We worked for a long time yesterday.Perfekt with haben
- 3Sie bleibt zu Hause, weil sie arbeitet.She stays at home because she is working.verb at the end after weil
Verb family
Separable verbs built on arbeiten
Add a prefix to arbeiten and the meaning changes.