B1Work & CareerAdjective

selbstständig

independent/self-employed

/ˈzɛlpstʃtɛndɪç/

Adjective meaning 'independent' or 'self-employed'. 'Selbstständig arbeiten' = to work independently.

Example Sentences

Sie ist selbstständig.

She is self-employed.

Kinder müssen selbstständig werden.

Children must become independent.

Er arbeitet selbstständig und zuverlässig.

He works independently and reliably.

Spelling: 'selbständig' vs 'selbstständig'

✅ Both are correct! 'Selbstständig' (with extra 'st') is newer but both are in Duden

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