arbeiten
Translation
to work, to labor, to function, to operate
Examples
Ich arbeite als Lehrer.
I work as a teacher.
Die Heizung arbeitet nicht.
The heating isn't working.
Er arbeitet an einem neuen Buch.
He is working on a new book.
Grammar Patterns
((als sth.)) arbeiten to work (as sth.) He works as an engineer.
((bei+3)) arbeiten to work (at/for a company) She works at a bank.
((an+3)) arbeiten to work (on sth.) We are working on a project.
((für+4)) arbeiten to work (for sb./sth.) He works for a charity.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old High German 'arabeit' (toil, hardship), derived from a root meaning 'orphan', initially denoting the hard labor orphans were forced to do.
Memory Tips
The input 'arbeite' is the first-person singular form ('ich arbeite' - I work). It's versatile, used for people's jobs and for machines operating.