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
das Geschäft
deal
A single commercial transaction or trade; an agreement between two or more parties.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein gutes Geschäft, wir haben viel Gewinn gemacht.
That was a good deal; we made a lot of profit.
das Geschäft
business
The entirety of the commercial activities of a firm or company; the industry or sector.
EXAMPLE
Er ist schon seit 20 Jahren im Immobiliengeschäft tätig.
He has been working in the real estate business for 20 years.
sein Geschäft machen
to do one's business
A euphemistic expression for urinating or having a bowel movement.
EXAMPLE
Der Hund hat sein Geschäft mitten auf den Rasen gemacht.
The dog did its business right in the middle of the lawn.
das Geschäft
business / affair
A matter or issue that needs to be dealt with. Often in the expression 'Das ist nicht dein Geschäft' (That is none of your business).
EXAMPLE
Misch dich nicht ein, das ist mein Geschäft.
Don't interfere; that's my business.
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 Firma
company / firm
A Firma is the business organization that offers goods or services. A Geschäft here is the specific store where customers buy something. In the case of a small company, the two can be closely connected; Firma refers to the organization, while Geschäft refers to the store.
Geschäft
Das Geschäft der Firma öffnet jeden Morgen um neun Uhr.
The company's store opens at nine every morning.
Firma
Die Firma betreibt seit zehn Jahren einen kleinen Laden für Fahrräder.
The company has been running a small bicycle shop for ten years.
In real life
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