Vollzeit vs. hauptberuflich vs. hauptamtlich
While Vollzeit, hauptberuflich, and hauptamtlich can all be translated as "full-time" in English, they describe different aspects of work in German. Vollzeit refers strictly to the number of hours worked. hauptberuflich refers to the activity being your main source of income and focus. hauptamtlich is specific to holding a paid position in sectors where unpaid volunteer work is common, such as politics, clubs, or emergency services.
Vollzeit
A2This is the most common word for a standard jobs. It refers strictly to the time commitment, opposing Teilzeit (part-time). It usually implies a 35 to 40-hour work week defined by an employment contract.
Ich suche nach einer Stelle in Vollzeit.
(I am looking for a full-time position.)
Meine Frau arbeitet Vollzeit, während ich mich um die Kinder kümmere.
(My wife works full-time while I take care of the children.)
Der Vertrag ist für eine Vollzeitbeschäftigung ausgelegt.
(The contract is designed for full-time employment.)
Wir haben keine Vollzeitstellen mehr offen.
(We do not have any open full-time positions left.)
Hauptberuflich
B2This term focuses on the fact that the job is your primary profession and main source of income, rather than a side job (nebenberuflich) or a hobby. It is often used by freelancers or people with multiple income streams to define their priority.
Er ist hauptberuflich Lehrer, aber am Wochenende spielt er in einer Band.
(He is a teacher as his main profession, but on weekends he plays in a band.)
Sie möchte sich hauptberuflich selbstständig machen.
(She wants to become self-employed as her main occupation.)
Ist die Fotografie dein Hobby oder machst du das hauptberuflich?
(Is photography your hobby or do you do it professionally?)
Studierende dürfen nicht hauptberuflich arbeiten, wenn sie ihren Studentenstatus behalten wollen.
(Students are not allowed to work as their primary occupation if they want to keep their student status.)
Hauptamtlich
C1This term is used for functional positions or offices (jobs in associations, politics, fire departments, or non-profits). It distinguishes a paid professional from an unpaid volunteer (ehrenamtlich). It implies you hold an Amt (office) as your job.
In großen Städten ist der Bürgermeister hauptamtlich tätig.
(In large cities, the mayor works in a full-time official capacity.)
Die Feuerwehr besteht aus Freiwilligen und drei hauptamtlichen Kräften.
(The fire department consists of volunteers and three full-time professionals.)
Der Verein sucht einen hauptamtlichen Geschäftsführer.
(The association is looking for a full-time paid managing director.)
Sie wechselt vom Ehrenamt in eine hauptamtliche Position beim Roten Kreuz.
(She is moving from volunteering to a full-time professional position at the Red Cross.)
Summary
To choose the right word, identify the opposite concept. If you mean "not part-time" (hours), use Vollzeit. If you mean "not a side-hustle" (income priority), use hauptberuflich. If you mean "not a volunteer" (official paid status), use hauptamtlich.