Beruflich

Beruflich is a German term used as both an adjective and an adverb. It derives from the noun Beruf (profession, occupation) with the suffix -lich, producing meanings related to work and professional life. In everyday and formal language, it helps distinguish activities and contexts connected to one's career from personal or private matters.

As an adjective, beruflich describes things tied to a person’s job or career. Common collocations include berufsliche Tätigkeit (professional activity), berufliche Laufbahn (career path), berufliche Qualifikation (professional qualification), and berufliche Weiterbildung (professional further training). These forms are used to refer to aspects of work life, such as experience, education, or opportunities, without implying personal life details.

As an adverb, beruflich denotes actions performed in a professional capacity or for work purposes. It answers questions of why or for what reason, such as traveling or working. For example, jemand ist beruflich in einer anderen Stadt unterwegs means the person is traveling there on business; eine berufliche Verpflichtung refers to a work-related obligation. It can also appear in phrases like beruflich tätig, meaning employed or active in a professional role.

Usage notes: beruflich contrasts with privat (private) or persönlich (personal). The term is common in everyday speech, job advertisements, HR contexts, and formal writing when discussing career, education, or work-related matters. Related concepts include Beruf, Berufsfeld, Berufserfahrung, and Berufslaufbahn.