A person who owns or runs one or more factories; an industrial entrepreneur. The term partly has historical connotations.
example
Der reiche Fabrikant spendete viel Geld für den Bau eines Krankenhauses in seiner Stadt.
The wealthy factory owner donated a lot of money for the construction of a hospital in his city.
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from 'die Fabrik' (factory). The ending '-ant' often refers to a person who carries out a certain activity or belongs to a group. A 'Fabrikant' is therefore literally a person who has to do with a factory.
EXAMPLE
Er war ein erfolgreicher Fabrikant in der Automobilindustrie.
He was a successful factory owner in the automotive industry.
Historical context
The term 'Fabrikant' (factory owner) has a historical feel. It is often used for entrepreneurs from the time of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th and early 20th centuries and can convey an image of wealth and social status.
EXAMPLE
Das Museum zeigt das Leben eines Textilfabrikanten um 1900.
The museum shows the life of a textile factory owner around 1900.
Typical collocations
The factory owner's industry is often mentioned, for example as 'Stahlfabrikant' (steel manufacturer), 'Möbelfabrikant' (furniture manufacturer), or 'Textilfabrikant' (textile manufacturer). Combinations with adjectives such as 'reich' (rich) or 'einflussreich' (influential) are also typical.
EXAMPLE
Die Villa gehörte früher einem einflussreichen Stahlfabrikanten.
The villa used to belong to an influential steel manufacturer.
Compare with
near_synonym
Fabrikant vs Hersteller
manufacturer
'der Hersteller' and 'der Fabrikant' both have to do with producing goods. 'Hersteller' is the normal, neutral word for a person or company that makes a product. 'Fabrikant' more often refers to a person who owns or runs a factory. The word often sounds a bit older or fits a historical or industrial context. In everyday language and on packaging, 'Hersteller' is usually more natural. 'Fabrikant' is used more when the person as an entrepreneur is the focus.
Fabrikant
Der Fabrikant baute im 19. Jahrhundert eine große Textilfabrik.
The factory owner built a large textile factory in the 19th century.
Hersteller
Auf der Verpackung steht der Name des Herstellers.