In 15 Seconds
- Creating a web of useful professional or social contacts.
- Proactively connecting with people for long-term mutual benefit.
- Essential for career growth and navigating German 'Vitamin B' culture.
Meaning
This phrase is about intentionally creating a web of professional or social connections that can help you in the future. It's like planting seeds in a garden of people so you have support when you need it.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a career fair
Ich bin heute hier, um neue berufliche Netzwerke aufzubauen.
I am here today to build new professional networks.
Moving to a new city
In einer neuen Stadt muss man erst mal ein soziales Netzwerk aufbauen.
In a new city, you first have to build a social network.
In a formal business meeting
Unser Ziel ist es, internationale Netzwerke in der Tech-Branche aufzubauen.
Our goal is to build international networks in the tech industry.
Cultural Background
Networking is often formal. It's common to use 'Sie' until a closer professional relationship is established. The 'Filz' system is a local form of networking that is very strong in small cantons. The 'Freunderlwirtschaft' is a slightly negative term for networking that borders on nepotism. German professionals use 'Xing' alongside 'LinkedIn' for building networks.
The 'Vitamin B' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, mention that you are building networks to get some 'Vitamin B'.
Don't be too transactional
Even though you are 'building a network', Germans appreciate genuine interest. Don't make it too obvious that you only want something.
In 15 Seconds
- Creating a web of useful professional or social contacts.
- Proactively connecting with people for long-term mutual benefit.
- Essential for career growth and navigating German 'Vitamin B' culture.
What It Means
This phrase is all about the long game. It is not just about meeting one person for coffee. It is about creating a whole system of contacts. Think of it like a spider building a web. Each person is a new thread. Together, they make a strong support system. You do this to help your career or your social life. It is about mutual benefit and long-term relationships.
How To Use It
You will mostly use this in professional settings. The verb aufbauen is separable. This means in a simple sentence, auf goes to the very end. For example: "Ich baue ein Netzwerk auf." You can also use it with modal verbs like müssen or wollen. Then it stays together: "Ich muss ein Netzwerk aufbauen." It sounds proactive and ambitious. It shows you are taking control of your future.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing your career goals. It is perfect for LinkedIn profiles or job interviews. Use it when you move to a new city. You need to find a doctor, a plumber, and friends. That is building a network! It is also great for university students. If you join a student club, you are building a network. It is about the "big picture" of who you know.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this on a first date! It sounds very cold and calculating. If you say, "I want to build a network with you," your date might leave. Also, do not use it for a single, quick interaction. Buying a newspaper is not building a network. It requires more than one meeting. It is about a lasting connection, not a one-off transaction.
Cultural Background
Germans have a special term called "Vitamin B." The "B" stands for Beziehungen, which means relationships. In Germany, who you know is often just as important as what you know. Germans can be a bit private at first. But once you are in their "network," they are incredibly loyal. Networking events in cities like Berlin or Munich are very popular. It is the hidden engine of the German economy.
Common Variations
You will often hear Kontakte knüpfen. This literally means "to tie contacts." It is a bit more poetic but means the same thing. Another modern version is sich vernetzen. This sounds a bit more like social media. You might also hear Networking betreiben. That sounds a bit more like a formal task or a chore. Stick to Netzwerke aufbauen for a strong, active vibe.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits both professional and private contexts. Remember that 'aufbauen' is a separable verb, which is the most common grammatical trap for learners.
The 'Vitamin B' Secret
If you want to sound like a native, mention that you are building networks to get some 'Vitamin B'.
Don't be too transactional
Even though you are 'building a network', Germans appreciate genuine interest. Don't make it too obvious that you only want something.
Xing vs LinkedIn
In Germany, Xing is still very relevant for local businesses. Build networks on both!
Examples
6Ich bin heute hier, um neue berufliche Netzwerke aufzubauen.
I am here today to build new professional networks.
A classic, professional way to state your purpose at an event.
In einer neuen Stadt muss man erst mal ein soziales Netzwerk aufbauen.
In a new city, you first have to build a social network.
Refers to making friends and finding reliable local contacts.
Unser Ziel ist es, internationale Netzwerke in der Tech-Branche aufzubauen.
Our goal is to build international networks in the tech industry.
Uses the phrase to describe a high-level company strategy.
Komm mit zur Party, wir müssen unser Netzwerk aufbauen! 😉
Come to the party, we need to build our network! 😉
A humorous way to say 'let's go meet people and have fun.'
Ohne ein gutes Netzwerk aufzubauen, ist der Aufstieg in dieser Firma schwer.
Without building a good network, climbing the ladder in this company is hard.
A serious observation about workplace reality.
Während des Studiums sollte man schon Netzwerke für die Zukunft aufbauen.
During your studies, you should already build networks for the future.
Advice given to students about the importance of connections.
Test Yourself
Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'aufbauen'.
Ich möchte in meiner neuen Firma schnell wichtige {die|f} Netzwerke _______.
After 'möchte' (modal verb), we need the infinitive at the end.
Welcher Satz ist korrekt?
A: Ich mache Networking mit dem Chef. B: Ich baue ein {das|n} Netzwerk mit dem Chef auf.
'Netzwerke aufbauen' is the correct German collocation.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: Warum gehst du zu dieser Konferenz? B: Ich will dort neue _______.
In a professional context like a conference, 'Netzwerke aufbauen' is the most appropriate goal.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesIch möchte in meiner neuen Firma schnell wichtige {die|f} Netzwerke _______.
After 'möchte' (modal verb), we need the infinitive at the end.
A: Ich mache Networking mit dem Chef. B: Ich baue ein {das|n} Netzwerk mit dem Chef auf.
'Netzwerke aufbauen' is the correct German collocation.
A: Warum gehst du zu dieser Konferenz? B: Ich will dort neue _______.
In a professional context like a conference, 'Netzwerke aufbauen' is the most appropriate goal.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsMostly, yes. It can also be used for academic or political contexts, but rarely for private hobbies.
A 'Verbindung' is a single connection. A 'Netzwerk' is the whole system of many connections.
It is becoming more common in modern business German, but 'Ich baue {die|f} Netzwerke auf' is still more standard.
Usually plural ('Netzwerke aufbauen') because a network implies many people.
Related Phrases
Kontakte knüpfen
synonymTo make contacts
Sich vernetzen
similarTo network (reflexive)
Beziehungen pflegen
builds onTo maintain relationships
Vitamin B
specialized formUsing connections
