master builder
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master builder
A person responsible for the planning and management of construction projects. Historically, a Baumeister (master builder) was often an architect, engineer, and site manager all in one.
Der berühmte Baumeister errichtete die Kathedrale im 15. Jahrhundert.
The famous master builder constructed the cathedral in the 15th century.
The word is made up of 'Bau' (construction, building) and 'Meister' (master). So it literally describes a 'master of building.'
Viele alte Kirchen wurden von anonymen Baumeistern entworfen.
Many old churches were designed by anonymous master builders.
You can recognize the meaning from context: if it is about buildings, the literal meaning is intended. If people are talking about abstract things like success or reforms, it is the figurative meaning. In connection with animals, it refers to the animal builder.
Der Architekt war der Baumeister des neuen Opernhauses.
The architect was the master builder of the new opera house.
In the literal meaning, 'Baumeister' (master builder) is often used today for historical figures who used to be both architect and construction manager. For modern professions, more specific titles are common.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel war ein bedeutender preußischer Baumeister.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel was an important Prussian master builder.
In the figurative meaning, a genitive is often used to say what someone is the creator of. Typical phrases are 'der Baumeister des Erfolgs' (the architect of success) or 'die Baumeisterin der Einheit' (the architect of unity).
Der Politiker wurde als Baumeister der europäischen Integration gefeiert.
The politician was celebrated as the architect of European integration.
architect
'der Architekt' and 'der Baumeister' can both have to do with planning and building. 'der Architekt' is the normal word today for the profession: an architect designs buildings and often also plans how they will be built. 'der Baumeister' sounds more historical or elevated and refers to a person who plans a structure and manages its construction. Figuratively, both can also refer to a person who has built up something major. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in the context of construction. In everyday language, 'Architekt' is usually the natural choice for the modern profession; 'Baumeister' fits better with historical buildings or in figurative, more solemn language.
Der Baumeister der alten Kirche ist bis heute bekannt.
The master builder of the old church is still known today.
Der Architekt zeigt den Kunden den neuen Plan für das Haus.
The architect shows the clients the new plan for the house.