German word

Laufbahn

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈlaʊ̯fˌbaːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncareer

Example

Viele Laufbahnen starten mit einem Praktikum.

Many careers begin with an internship.

Illustration for Laufbahn (career)

More examples

Nach dem Studium entschied sie sich, eine akademische Laufbahn zu verfolgen.

After her studies, she decided to pursue an academic career.

Core concept

A long track showing direction, stages, and progress toward a destination.

Common phrases

  • berufliche Laufbahn

    professional career

  • akademische Laufbahn

    academic career

  • politische Laufbahn

    political career

Similar words

Karriere: A professional career marked by advancement and attainment of important positions.
Lebenslauf: A list of education and employment history typically included in a resume.
Werdegang: The chronological course of a person's education and working life.
Berufserfahrung: Practical skills and knowledge gained through actual employment.

Definition in German

Laufbahn bezeichnet die Gesamtheit der beruflichen Stationen und Entwicklungen einer Person, einschließlich Positionen, Erfahrungen und Qualifikationen.

Word origin

Laufbahn is formed from Lauf, related to laufen, and Bahn, meaning path or track, so a career is understood as a person's continuing course.

Usage tips

  • Laufbahn can also refer to a physical track or trajectory, so berufliche Laufbahn makes the professional meaning explicit when context is unclear.

Other meanings

  • work historynoun
  • career pathnoun

Related words

  • Laufbahnberatungcareer counselingnoun
  • Laufbahnplanungcareer planningnoun
  • Laufbahnwechselcareer changenoun

Word lists with this word