out of work

/ˌaʊt əv ˈwɜːk/

Out of work describes someone without paid employment, often while actively seeking a new position. It is slightly more conversational than unemployed, and the best German equivalent depends on context and register.

1. arbeitslos

The most common and stylistically neutral equivalent, appropriate in virtually all contexts from everyday speech to official documents.

He has been out of work since the factory closed last spring.
Er ist arbeitslos, seit die Fabrik letzten Frühling geschlossen hat.
Being out of work for a long time can take a serious toll on your mental health.
Lange arbeitslos zu sein kann die psychische Gesundheit stark belasten.
The new program is aimed at people who have been out of work for over a year.
Das neue Programm richtet sich an Menschen, die seit über einem Jahr arbeitslos sind.

2. ohne Engagement · performing arts

In theatre, film, or music, out of work refers to a lack of bookings or engagements rather than general unemployment in the economic sense.

The actor was out of work for nearly a year before landing the lead role.
Der Schauspieler war fast ein Jahr ohne Engagement, bevor er die Hauptrolle bekam.
Many stage performers found themselves out of work when the theatres closed.
Viele Bühnenkünstler waren ohne Engagement, als die Theater schlossen.

Notes

Out of work is slightly more conversational than unemployed; in formal writing such as CVs or official correspondence, unemployed is the safer choice. German arbeitslos carries no such informal tinge and works equally well in casual and official contexts. Note also that out of work is easily confused with out of order (außer Betrieb / kaputt): a common slip.

Synonyms

unemployed jobless between jobs without a job

Related phrases

unemployment laid off redundant job seeker workforce work job loss