A craftsperson who makes and repairs barrels, vats, and other containers from wood. Other German terms for this profession are 'Fassbinder' or 'Küfer' (cooper).
example
Für die Reifung des Weins bestellte das Weingut neue Eichenfässer beim Böttcher.
For the aging of the wine, the winery ordered new oak barrels from the cooper.
Usage tips
Origin of the word
The name of the profession derives from the word 'der Bottich' (the vat), a large, open wooden container. A 'Böttcher' (cooper) is therefore someone who makes vats and similar vessels.
EXAMPLE
Der Böttcher prüfte die Dichtheit des neuen Bottichs.
The cooper checked the tightness of the new vat.
Register and context
'Böttcher' (cooper) is the name of a traditional craft profession that is rare today. The word is mainly used when talking about the production of wine, beer, whiskey, or about historical crafts.
EXAMPLE
In diesem Freilichtmuseum kann man einem Böttcher bei der Arbeit zusehen.
In this open-air museum, you can watch a cooper at work.
Typical collocations
The work of a cooper is often associated with the materials and products. Typical verbs are 'herstellen' (to make), 'reparieren' (to repair), or 'bauen' (to build); typical objects are 'Fässer' (barrels), 'Bottiche' (vats), or 'Gefäße aus Holz' (wooden vessels).
EXAMPLE
Der Böttcher stellt Fässer aus bestem Eichenholz her.
The cooper makes barrels from the finest oak wood.