die Buchhandlung
bookstore
A shop where books and often other media such as magazines or audiobooks are sold.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe das Buch in einer kleinen, unabhängigen Buchhandlung entdeckt.
I discovered the book in a small, independent bookstore.
die Buchhandlung
bookstore
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Buch' (book) and 'Handlung' (trade/shop). Here, 'Handlung' derives from the verb 'handeln' (to trade) and means 'Geschäft' (business/shop) or 'Laden' (store). A 'Buchhandlung' (bookstore) is therefore literally a shop where books are traded.
EXAMPLE
Diese alte Buchhandlung ist seit über 100 Jahren im Familienbesitz.
This old bookstore has been family-owned for over 100 years.
Correct preposition
To describe movement, you use 'in die Buchhandlung' with the accusative. To describe a place where someone is located, you use 'in der Buchhandlung' with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich gehe kurz in die Buchhandlung, um ein Geschenk zu kaufen.
I'm quickly going to the bookstore to buy a gift.
Typical verbs
Common verbs used with 'Buchhandlung' (bookstore) are 'ein Buch bestellen' (to order a book), 'in einer Buchhandlung stöbern' (to browse in a bookstore), or 'eine Buchhandlung betreiben' (to run a bookstore).
EXAMPLE
Am Samstagnachmittag stöbere ich gerne in Buchhandlungen.
On Saturday afternoons, I like browsing in bookstores.
Compare with
Buchhandlung vs Buchhandel
book trade / bookstore
Both words can be connected with the sale of books. Buchhandlung normally refers to the specific shop, while Buchhandel mainly refers to the industry as a whole; Buchhandel is possible for an individual shop, but less common and more formal. In everyday speech, Buchhandlung is usually the better choice.
Buchhandlung
Ich kaufte den neuen Roman in der Buchhandlung am Marktplatz.
I bought the new novel at the bookstore on the market square.
Buchhandel
Der Buchhandel verkauft heute viele Bücher über das Internet.
Today, the book trade sells many books over the internet.
In real life
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