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das Geschäft
shop
A store or business premises where goods are sold or services are offered.
example
Ich muss noch schnell ins Geschäft, um Milch zu kaufen.
I still have to quickly go to the shop to buy milk.
das Geschäft
shop / business
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The word 'Geschäft' comes from the verb 'schaffen' (to manage/create/accomplish). It therefore refers to something that one 'schafft' (does or accomplishes)—whether a trade, work in a shop, or another activity.
EXAMPLE
Er hat es geschafft, ein erfolgreiches Geschäft aufzubauen.
He managed to build a successful business.
Context clue: plural
The plural 'die Geschäfte' can be ambiguous. It can mean 'shops' or 'business activities/transactions'. The context makes clear what is meant: 'Die Geschäfte in der Innenstadt' refers to shops, while 'Die Geschäfte laufen gut' refers to economic success.
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag sind die Geschäfte in Deutschland geschlossen.
On Sundays, the shops in Germany are closed.
Typical collocations
When 'Geschäft' means a shop, it is often combined with the verbs 'führen' (to run), 'eröffnen' (to open), or 'schließen' (to close). Movement toward a shop is expressed with 'ins Geschäft gehen' (to go to the shop).
EXAMPLE
Sie führt ein kleines Geschäft für Bioprodukte.
She runs a small shop for organic products.
Closing a deal
In the meaning 'trade' or 'transaction', the typical verbs are 'ein Geschäft machen' (to make a deal) or 'ein Geschäft abschließen' (to close a deal). It is often combined with adjectives such as 'gut' (good) or 'schlecht' (bad).
EXAMPLE
Mit dem Verkauf des alten Autos hat er ein gutes Geschäft gemacht.
He made a good deal by selling the old car.
Fixed expression
The expression 'im Geschäft sein' means to work professionally in a particular industry or sector. It is often combined with the name of the industry, e.g. 'im Musikgeschäft' (in the music business).
EXAMPLE
Mein Onkel ist seit über 30 Jahren im Autogeschäft.
My uncle has been in the car business for over 30 years.
Register: euphemism
The expression 'sein Geschäft machen/verrichten' is a euphemism, meaning a softened way to describe going to the toilet. It is used to address the topic indirectly and less bluntly.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen kurz anhalten, der Hund muss mal sein Geschäft machen.
We need to stop briefly; the dog needs to do its business.
Compare with
Geschäft vs Unternehmen
company / undertaking
'das Unternehmen' and 'das Geschäft' can both have to do with business and work. 'das Unternehmen' usually means the whole organization, that is, a company with employees, management, and tasks. 'das Geschäft' can be a shop, a single deal, or business activity in general. Learners can easily confuse the words because in German you talk about the 'Geschäfte' of a company. If you mean the company as an organization, 'Unternehmen' fits better. If you mean a shop, a deal, or ongoing trading/business activity, 'Geschäft' is more natural.
Geschäft
Am Samstag ist das kleine Geschäft in der Hauptstraße besonders voll.
On Saturdays, the small shop on the main street is especially crowded.
Unternehmen
Das Unternehmen sucht neue Mitarbeiter für den Kundenservice.
The company is looking for new employees for customer service.
In real life
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