beschäftigen
Translation
to employ, to occupy, to deal with, to keep busy
Examples
Die Firma beschäftigt 100 Mitarbeiter.
The company employs 100 people.
Ich beschäftige mich mit diesem Thema.
I am dealing with this topic.
Das Kind beschäftigt sich mit Spielzeug.
The child is occupying itself with toys.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((as sth.)) to employ (sb.) (as sth.) The company employs him as an engineer.
sich ((with sth.)) to occupy oneself (with sth.), to deal (with sth.) I'm dealing with German literature.
Similar Words
Synonyms: anstellen, sich befassen mit; Antonyms: entlassen, faulenzen
Etymology
From the prefix 'be-' (making a verb transitive) and 'schaffen' (to create, manage). Literally, to make someone manage something or give them a task.
Memory Tips
Think of being 'busy' with a 'shift'. The sound of 'beschäftigen' can remind you of keeping someone busy.