Meaning
To commence one's daily job or task.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Dienst ist Dienst und Schnaps ist Schnaps' emphasizes that once you 'beginnen die Arbeit', you are strictly in professional mode. In Swiss German, 'schaffe' is often used instead of 'arbeiten', but in formal Swiss Standard German, 'die Arbeit beginnen' remains the standard. Austrians might use 'anfangen' more colloquially, but 'beginnen' is preferred in the Viennese 'Amtsdeutsch' (administrative language).
Use 'beginnen' in Emails
If you are writing to a German client, 'beginnen' makes you sound more professional and precise than 'anfangen'.
Don't forget 'die'
English speakers often say 'Ich beginne Arbeit'. Always include 'die' to sound like a native.
Meaning
To commence one's daily job or task.
Use 'beginnen' in Emails
If you are writing to a German client, 'beginnen' makes you sound more professional and precise than 'anfangen'.
Don't forget 'die'
English speakers often say 'Ich beginne Arbeit'. Always include 'die' to sound like a native.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct article and verb form.
Ich ______ (beginnen) jeden Tag um 9 Uhr ______ Arbeit.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'beginne', and 'Arbeit' requires the feminine accusative article 'die'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the professional way to say you are starting work.
'Beginnen' is inseparable and takes a direct object with an article.
Complete the dialogue.
Chef: 'Herr Müller, wann können Sie heute ______?'
After 'können' (modal verb), we need the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
Match the phrase to the context.
When would you say 'Wir beginnen die Arbeit am Projekt'?
This variation specifies what work is being started.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Beginnen vs. Anfangen
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ (beginnen) jeden Tag um 9 Uhr ______ Arbeit.
The subject 'Ich' requires the verb form 'beginne', and 'Arbeit' requires the feminine accusative article 'die'.
Select the professional way to say you are starting work.
'Beginnen' is inseparable and takes a direct object with an article.
Chef: 'Herr Müller, wann können Sie heute ______?'
After 'können' (modal verb), we need the infinitive at the end of the sentence.
When would you say 'Wir beginnen die Arbeit am Projekt'?
This variation specifies what work is being started.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNeither is 'better', but 'beginnen' is more formal and 'anfangen' is more common in speech.
Yes, that is also correct and very common. It means 'I begin to work'.
Related Phrases
mit der Arbeit anfangen
synonymTo start working
die Arbeit beenden
contrastTo finish work
den Dienst antreten
specialized formTo report for duty
