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Arbeiter

worker

noun AR-by-ter Less Common
People & Society Professions

Origin: from arbeiten ('to work') + -er

Also means

labourer

Usage Note

Arbeiter specifically denotes a manual or blue-collar worker, as opposed to Angestellter (a salaried white-collar employee) — a distinction that still carries social weight. The feminine is Arbeiterin, and the plural is identical to the singular.

Examples

"Die Arbeiter streiken für höhere Löhne."

Natural Translation

The workers are striking for higher wages.

Literal Translation

The workers strike for higher wages.

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