Today, the difference between Angestellte and Arbeiter is often translated thus
salaried employee and wage earner
white collar and blue collar
clerical or managerial employee, and manual worker.
But what did Angestellte and Arbeiter mean a century ago? The same cluster of distinctions?
Thank you for any assistance.
question on meaning of Angestellte vs. Arbeiter a century ago
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- Story Teller
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- Lingo Whiz
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Re: question on meaning of Angestellte vs. Arbeiter a century ago
The situation in modern German is a bit different, actually. Arbeiter is a subcategory of Angestellter. That means Angestellte are both blue and white collar employees. However, when you use Angestellter in a context where it complements Arbeiter (or is set in contrast) then it only means white collar employees.
Effectively, that's the same use the two words would have had a century ago.
Effectively, that's the same use the two words would have had a century ago.
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- Story Teller
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Re: question on meaning of Angestellte vs. Arbeiter a century ago
tiorthan, thank you for the subtle distinction. Let me see if I have it.
So a century ago Arbeiter was generally not a subcategory of Angestellte.
Back then, Arbeiter meant blue collar and Angestellte meant white collar.
Today, Arbeiter is a subcategory of Angestellte, unless the two terms are set in contrast, and then the old binary meaning applies.
So a century ago Arbeiter was generally not a subcategory of Angestellte.
Back then, Arbeiter meant blue collar and Angestellte meant white collar.
Today, Arbeiter is a subcategory of Angestellte, unless the two terms are set in contrast, and then the old binary meaning applies.
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- Lingo Whiz
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Re: question on meaning of Angestellte vs. Arbeiter a century ago
No I meant that for all I know the usage of the words hasn't changed.edmont hat geschrieben:So a century ago Arbeiter was generally not a subcategory of Angestellte.
You're never too old to learn something stupid.
Mistake – Suggestion – You sure that's right?
Mistake – Suggestion – You sure that's right?
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- Story Teller
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Re: question on meaning of Angestellte vs. Arbeiter a century ago
tiorthan,
ok, thanks very much for the clarification.
ok, thanks very much for the clarification.