01
der Handel
trade
The buying and selling of goods and services; the economic activity of exchanging goods.
example
Der Online-Handel hat in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen.
Online trade has increased sharply in recent years.
der Handel
trade
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Handel' (trade) is the noun related to the verb 'handeln' (to trade). A person who engages in trade is 'der Händler' (the dealer/merchant) or 'die Händlerin' (the female dealer/merchant).
EXAMPLE
Dieser Händler handelt mit seltenen Gewürzen aus aller Welt.
This dealer trades in rare spices from all over the world.
Common in compounds
The word 'Handel' (trade) is a very productive component of compound nouns related to the economy. Examples are 'Einzelhandel' (retail), 'Großhandel' (wholesale), or 'Online-Handel' (online trade).
EXAMPLE
Der Einzelhandel leidet unter der Konkurrenz aus dem Internet.
Retail is suffering from competition from the internet.
Fixed expression: Handel treiben
A fixed and somewhat more formal expression for 'handeln' (to trade) is 'Handel treiben' (to engage in trade). It is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) to name the goods or the partners.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma treibt seit vielen Jahren Handel mit asiatischen Ländern.
The company has been trading with Asian countries for many years.
Fixed expression: im Handel
The phrase 'im Handel' (available in stores/in trade) is a fixed expression and means 'to buy in shops'. It is usually combined with verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'erhältlich sein' (to be available), or 'finden' (to find).
EXAMPLE
Das Produkt ist ab sofort überall im Handel erhältlich.
The product is now available in stores everywhere.
Colloquial meaning
In the meaning 'Streit' (dispute) or 'lästige Angelegenheit' (annoying matter), 'Handel' is colloquial and rather rarely used today. You may still sometimes find it in spoken language.
EXAMPLE
Wegen einer Kleinigkeit hatten die beiden einen furchtbaren Handel.
Because of a small matter, the two of them had a terrible dispute.
Compare with
Handel vs Markt
market
'der Markt' and 'der Handel' both belong to the economy and to buying and selling. 'Markt' refers more to the area or system where supply and demand come together, for example 'der Automarkt' (the car market) or 'der Wohnungsmarkt' (the housing market). 'Handel' focuses more on the activity: goods are bought, sold, or exchanged between countries. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear in economic texts. If you are talking about an economic sector, 'Markt' usually fits. If you are talking about the exchange or sale itself, 'Handel' fits.
Handel
Der Handel mit frischem Gemüse beginnt auf dem Großmarkt schon sehr früh.
Trade in fresh vegetables starts very early at the wholesale market.
Markt
Der Markt für gebrauchte Fahrräder ist im Frühling besonders aktiv.
The market for used bicycles is especially active in spring.
In real life
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