Significado
To inquire about someone's profession.
Contexto cultural
In Germany, asking 'Was machen Sie beruflich?' is a sign of respect and interest. People take great pride in their specific titles (e.g., Diplomingenieur). Austrians place an even higher emphasis on academic and professional titles. You might even include the title when addressing the person. While the phrase is the same, Swiss people might be more modest about their success. It's polite to ask, but don't push for salary details. In modern startups in Berlin or Munich, 'Du' is becoming more common, but 'Was machen Sie beruflich?' remains the safe default for first meetings.
The 'Sie' Rule
Always use 'Sie' with this phrase unless you have been explicitly invited to use 'du' (the 'Du-Angebot').
Don't ask about money
While asking about the job is fine, asking 'Was verdienen Sie?' (What do you earn?) is a major taboo in German culture.
Significado
To inquire about someone's profession.
The 'Sie' Rule
Always use 'Sie' with this phrase unless you have been explicitly invited to use 'du' (the 'Du-Angebot').
Don't ask about money
While asking about the job is fine, asking 'Was verdienen Sie?' (What do you earn?) is a major taboo in German culture.
Use 'als'
When answering, use 'als' for your role: 'Ich arbeite als {der|m} Ingenieur'.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word to make the phrase formal.
Was ______ Sie beruflich?
The formal pronoun 'Sie' always takes the infinitive-like verb form 'machen'.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a stranger about their job?
Select the best option:
This uses the formal 'Sie' and the precise adverb 'beruflich', making it the most polite and clear option.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are the standard translations for these common work-related phrases.
Complete the dialogue between two professionals.
A: Guten Tag. Mein Name ist Müller. B: Freut mich, Herr Müller. Ich bin Schmidt. ______?
In a formal introduction after names are exchanged, asking about the profession is the most natural next step.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Formal vs. Informal
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosWas ______ Sie beruflich?
The formal pronoun 'Sie' always takes the infinitive-like verb form 'machen'.
Select the best option:
This uses the formal 'Sie' and the precise adverb 'beruflich', making it the most polite and clear option.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
These are the standard translations for these common work-related phrases.
A: Guten Tag. Mein Name ist Müller. B: Freut mich, Herr Müller. Ich bin Schmidt. ______?
In a formal introduction after names are exchanged, asking about the profession is the most natural next step.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, in a professional setting, it's often the second or third question after 'How are you?' or 'Where are you from?'.
Yes, but it sounds a bit more like an English translation. 'Was machen Sie beruflich?' is more natural.
You can answer: 'Ich bin {der|m} Student' or 'Ich studiere noch'.
Yes, in writing, 'Sie' (formal you) and its related forms are always capitalized.
'Beruf' implies a career or trained profession; 'Job' is more casual and can be temporary.
Use 'Was machen Sie beruflich?' (if formal) or 'Was macht ihr beruflich?' (if informal).
It can be, but in this phrase, it functions as an adverb modifying 'machen'.
Yes, it's a perfectly polite way to inquire about a contact's background.
It's common in some regions, but 'Was machen Sie beruflich?' is more universally accepted as 'high' German.
You can say: 'Ich bin zurzeit auf {die|f} Stellensuche' (I am currently looking for a job).
Frases relacionadas
Was sind Sie von Beruf?
synonymWhat are you by profession?
Was machst du beruflich?
similarWhat do you do for a living? (Informal)
Wo arbeiten Sie?
builds onWhere do you work?
Was ist Ihre Tätigkeit?
specialized formWhat is your activity/role?
