01
die Firma
company
A company or business enterprise that manufactures products or offers services.
example
Sie hat eine eigene Firma für Webdesign gegründet.
She founded her own company for web design.
die Firma
company / firm
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Correct preposition
When talking about an employer, you can use both 'in' and 'bei'. 'Ich arbeite in einer großen Firma' (I work in a large company) emphasizes the organization, while 'Ich arbeite bei Siemens' (I work at Siemens) highlights the name of the employer.
EXAMPLE
Er arbeitet seit zehn Jahren in derselben Firma.
He has worked in the same company for ten years.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Firma' (company) in the meaning of 'Unternehmen' (enterprise/company) are 'eine Firma gründen' (to found a company), 'eine Firma leiten' (to run a company), or 'eine Firma übernehmen' (to take over a company).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium wollte er sofort eine eigene Firma gründen.
After finishing his studies, he wanted to found his own company right away.
Context clue
The meaning 'official name' is technical language from the fields of business and law. You can often recognize this meaning from verbs such as 'lauten' (to read / to be worded) or in connection with the 'Handelsregister' (commercial register).
EXAMPLE
Die Firma des Unternehmens lautet „Müller & Sohn GmbH“.
The business name of the company is 'Müller & Sohn GmbH'.
Compare with
Firma vs Haus
house
'das Haus' and 'die Firma' can both mean a company. 'Firma' is the normal word when referring to a business that offers goods or services. In this meaning, 'Haus' often sounds more elevated or traditional and fits especially well in industries such as fashion, publishing, or finance. In everyday language, people usually say 'Firma'. 'Haus' is used more when you want to present the company as a well-known brand or institution.
Firma
Meine Firma bietet jetzt auch Beratung per Video an.
My company now also offers consultations by video.
Haus
Das Haus bringt im Herbst eine neue Modekollektion heraus.
The house is releasing a new fashion collection in the fall.
In real life
Loading video examples...