German word

Kaufmann

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkaʊ̯fman/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmerchant

Example

In der Stadt gibt es viele Kaufmänner.

There are many merchants in the city.

Illustration for Kaufmann (merchant)

More examples

Als Kaufmann kennt er die Preise auf dem Markt.

As a merchant, he knows the prices at the market.

Core concept

A trader managing the flow of goods from sellers to buyers as part of a regular commercial role.

Common phrases

  • als Kaufmann arbeiten

    work as a merchant

  • ein erfolgreicher Kaufmann

    a successful merchant

Similar words

Verkäufer: A person employed by a shop or company to sell goods.
Händler: A dealer who specializes in buying and reselling goods.
Geschäftsmann: A male business professional who conducts commercial activities or transactions.

Definition in German

Berufliche Bezeichnung für eine Person, die regelmäßig Handel treibt und für Einkauf sowie Verkauf verantwortlich ist.

Word origin

Kaufmann combines the verb kaufen with Mann and has been used since earlier German periods for a person engaged in buying and selling.

Usage tips

  • In gender-neutral modern usage, Kaufleute is the common plural for a mixed group, whereas Kaufmänner specifically refers to men.

Other meanings

  • tradernoun

Opposites

Related words

  • kaufmännischcommercialadjective
  • Kaufmannslehrecommercial apprenticeshipnoun

Word lists with this word