schuften
toil · slave away
Definition & meaning
schuften is a colloquial German verb that means to work very hard, to toil, or to drudge. It implies performing physically demanding or exhausting labor for an extended period.
It is often used when someone is putting in significant effort, frequently under difficult circumstances or with little reward.
Grammar & Word origin
schuften is a weak verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern: schuften (infinitive), schuftete (past tense), and geschuftet (past participle).
The word is derived from the noun der Schuft , which originally meant a rogue, a scoundrel, or a base person. In the 19th century, the verb schuften emerged, initially carrying a derogatory nuance suggesting that only low-class or "scoundrelly" people performed such back-breaking, menial labor. Today, the negative connotation regarding the person has largely faded, and it is primarily used to describe the intensity of the work itself.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- ackern (to plow/to work hard)
- schuften
- malochen (regional, particularly in the Ruhr area)
- sich abrackern (to toil/to slave away)
- schinden (to overwork)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Sie müssen den ganzen Tag schuften.verb
They have to toil all day.
Arbeiter schuften hart unter der Sonne.verb
Workers toil hard under the sun.
Früher schufteten wir oft bis spät nachts.verb
In the past, we often slaved away until late at night.
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