Beruf

Beruf is a German noun meaning a person's occupation or profession—the work a person performs to earn a living. It can refer to a specific job, a trade, or a broader field of work. Etymology: the word originates from the verb berufen, "to call," which historically meant a call to service or duty and later came to denote an occupation in ordinary usage.

Distinctions: The term Beruf typically emphasizes the practical and economic aspects of work, including duties, qualifications, and social status. Berufung, by contrast, refers to a vocation or calling—an intrinsic sense of purpose or personal fit that may guide career choices beyond monetary considerations.

In German-speaking countries, the concept of Beruf is central to education and labor markets. Berufsausbildung refers to vocational training, and the dual education system combines apprenticeship at workplaces with classroom instruction. Terminology such as Berufsbild (job profile) and Berufserfahrung (work experience) are common. The concept of a "Berufsleben" or career path reflects the expectation of professional development, even as labor-market conditions have increasingly encouraged flexibility, job changes, and lifelong learning.

Related terms and fields include professional ethics, occupational psychology, and labor-market policy. The word is commonly used in official contexts, media, and everyday life to describe one's current role as well as future professional plans.