craftsman / tradesperson
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tradesperson
A person who professionally carries out a skilled trade, such as a carpenter, electrician, or plumber.
Wir haben einen Handwerker bestellt, der die kaputte Heizung reparieren soll.
We called a tradesperson to repair the broken heating system.
craftsman
In a figurative sense, a person who performs their work in a technically solid and skillful way, but without special artistic creativity or genius.
Der Regisseur ist ein guter Handwerker, aber seine Filme berühren mich nicht.
The director is a good craftsman, but his films don't move me.
The word is made up of 'Hand' (hand) and 'Werk' (work/craft). A 'Handwerker' (craftsman/tradesperson) is therefore literally a person who creates a work or performs a job with their hands.
Gutes Handwerk erfordert viel Übung und Geschick.
Good craftsmanship requires a lot of practice and skill.
Common verbs used with 'Handwerker' are 'einen Handwerker rufen' (to call a tradesperson), 'einen Handwerker beauftragen' (to hire/commission a tradesperson), or the statement 'Wir haben Handwerker im Haus' (We have tradespeople in the house).
Wir müssen einen Handwerker für das undichte Dach beauftragen.
We need to hire a tradesperson for the leaky roof.
The figurative meaning can be recognized from the context, which usually refers to art, music, or literature. It describes a person who works with technical perfection but lacks the creativity or genius of an artist.
Der Pianist ist ein solider Handwerker, aber seine Interpretation ist nicht sehr emotional.
The pianist is a solid craftsman, but his interpretation is not very emotional.
technician
A Handwerker and a Techniker can both repair a system. Handwerker generally refers to someone in a skilled trade; Techniker emphasizes a specialist role involving technical devices or systems. For technically specialized maintenance, Techniker is therefore more precise.
Für die Reparatur der Heizungsrohre kommt morgen ein Handwerker.
A tradesperson is coming tomorrow to repair the heating pipes.
Für die Wartung der elektronischen Heizungssteuerung kommt morgen ein Techniker.
A technician is coming tomorrow to service the electronic heating controls.
