Selbstständige

self-employed person

noun ZELPST-shten-di-ge Rare

Also means

independent contractor

Usage Note

Selbstständige is an adjective used as a noun (strong declension) meaning a self-employed person. It covers freelancers (Freiberufler), sole traders (Einzelunternehmer), and small business owners. The distinction between selbstständig and freiberuflich matters for tax purposes in Germany.

Examples

"Als Selbstständige muss sie ihre Steuern selbst abführen."

Natural Translation

As a self-employed person, she has to pay her own taxes.

Literal Translation

As a self-employed person, she must herself remit her taxes.

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