A person who professionally owns or runs an inn, pub, or restaurant and is responsible for serving and looking after the guests.
example
Der Gastwirt zapfte persönlich ein frisches Bier für seine Stammgäste.
The innkeeper personally tapped a fresh beer for his regular guests.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Gast' (guest) and 'Wirt' (host/innkeeper). A 'Wirt' is a person who serves and hosts guests. So the 'Gastwirt' is literally the 'host for the guests'.
EXAMPLE
Der freundliche Gastwirt begrüsste jeden Besucher persönlich.
The friendly innkeeper greeted every visitor personally.
Word family
The word belongs to a family around the stem 'Wirt'. This also includes 'das Wirtshaus' (the inn/pub building) and the verb 'bewirten' (to serve/host guests).
EXAMPLE
Es ist seine Leidenschaft, Gäste in seinem Wirtshaus zu bewirten.
It is his passion to serve guests in his inn.
Register
'Gastwirt' (innkeeper) is the official occupational title. You might find it, for example, on business cards or in official documents.
EXAMPLE
Er ist eingetragener Gastwirt und darf alkoholische Getränke ausschenken.
He is a registered innkeeper and is allowed to serve alcoholic beverages.
Typical verbs
An innkeeper 'betreibt' (operates) or 'führt' (runs) an inn. He 'empfängt' (welcomes) guests, 'kümmert sich um' (takes care of) them, and 'bewirtet' (serves/hosts) them.
EXAMPLE
Seit 20 Jahren betreibt er als Gastwirt das kleine Hotel am See.
He has been running the small hotel by the lake as an innkeeper for 20 years.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Gastwirt vs Gastgeber
host
'der Gastgeber' and 'der Gastwirt' both have to do with guests and hospitality. 'der Gastgeber' is someone who has invited guests, for example at home or to a private celebration. 'der Gastwirt' does this professionally: he owns or runs an inn, pub, or restaurant. Learners may confuse the words because both people take care of guests. The simple difference is: for a private or general role, 'Gastgeber' is more likely; professionally in a restaurant or pub, it is 'Gastwirt'.
Gastwirt
Nach dem Essen fragte der Gastwirt, ob alles in Ordnung war.
After the meal, the innkeeper asked whether everything was all right.
Gastgeber
Mein Onkel war ein freundlicher Gastgeber und zeigte uns sofort das Gästezimmer.
My uncle was a friendly host and immediately showed us the guest room.