German word

Handwerk

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhantˌvɛɐ̯k/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncraft

Example

Viele Familien leben vom Handwerk.

Many families earn their living from crafts.

Illustration for Handwerk (craft)

More examples

Sie lernt traditionelles Handwerk von ihrer Großmutter.

She is learning traditional craft from her grandmother.

Core concept

The skilled craft behind a chair, roof, tool, or ornament, from making to repair.

Common phrases

  • traditionelles Handwerk

    traditional craft

  • im Handwerk arbeiten

    work in the skilled trades

Similar words

Gewerbe: A business activity or professional trade serving customers.
Beruf: Work or a profession pursued as a means of earning a living.
Handarbeit: Handmade work involving direct physical effort and manual skill.

Definition in German

Handwerk umfasst traditionelle und moderne Berufe, bei denen durch praktische Handarbeit und fachliches Können Werkstücke gefertigt, instandgehalten oder verziert werden.

Word origin

Handwerk developed as a Germanic compound of Hand, 'hand', and Werk, 'work', and came to denote skilled manual trades and their products.

Usage tips

  • Handwerk can refer to craftsmanship as well as to a trade sector, so context determines whether an English translation such as 'craftsmanship' or 'the trades' fits best.

Other meanings

  • craftsmanshipnoun
  • handworknoun
  • handicraftnoun

Opposites

  • Industrieindustrynoun
  • Massenproduktionmass productionnoun

Related words

Word lists with this word