German word

selbständig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈzɛlpʃtɛndɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectiveindependent

Example

Sie ist eine selbständige Frau.

She is an independent woman.

Illustration for selbständig (independent)

More examples

Nach dem Studium wollte er selbständig arbeiten.

After his studies, he wanted to work independently.

Core concept

A worker who takes responsibility for a livelihood without being part of an employer's staff.

Common phrases

  • sich selbständig machen

    become self-employed

  • eine selbständige Tätigkeit

    self-employed work

  • finanziell selbständig sein

    be financially independent

Similar words

selbstständig: Taking on work directly and earning income without an employment contract.
freiberuflich: Offering professional expertise independently in return for service fees.
eigenständig: Managing tasks and decisions independently without depending on others.
unabhängig: Remaining free to decide without pressure from people or external conditions.

Definition in German

Eine berufliche Tätigkeit auf eigene Rechnung ausüben; nicht angestellt sein

Word origin

Selbständig developed from the German elements selbst, 'self', and a form related to stehen, 'to stand', describing someone who stands independently.

Usage tips

  • Selbständig can mean generally independent, while the occupational sense means self-employed and depends on context.

Other meanings

  • self-employedadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Selbständigkeitindependencenoun
  • Selbständigerself-employed personnoun

Word lists with this word