grocer / petty miser
Loading your saved state.
grocer
A historical or, today, often derogatory term for a small retailer who sells various everyday goods in his shop.
Früher kaufte man Zucker und Mehl noch lose beim Krämer um die Ecke.
In the past, people still bought sugar and flour loose from the grocer around the corner.
petty miser
In a figurative sense, a person who is overly petty, calculating, and concerned only with their own small advantage.
Sei doch kein Krämer und gib ihm einfach die fünf Euro zurück!
Don't be such a petty miser; just give him the five euros back!
The word 'Krämer' (grocer) is derived from 'der Kram' (stuff/junk), which is a colloquial term for various small things or odds and ends. A 'Krämer' was originally someone who traded in such goods.
Auf dem Dachboden meiner Oma liegt noch eine Menge alter Kram.
There is still a lot of old junk in my grandma's attic.
The sentence shows whether the merchant or a character trait is meant. If people are talking about history or old shops, the merchant is meant. If someone's behavior is described as petty, the figurative meaning is meant.
Der Krämer wog die Bonbons einzeln ab.
The grocer weighed the candies individually.
As a job title, 'Krämer' (grocer) is outdated today. The word is used when talking about small, old-fashioned shops from the past, which were often called 'Krämerladen' (general store).
Im Museum wurde ein alter Krämerladen aus dem 19. Jahrhundert nachgebaut.
In the museum, an old 19th-century general store was reconstructed.
In the figurative sense, 'Krämer' (petty miser) is used as an insult for a petty, stingy, or overly calculating person. The tone is always negative and critical.
Er streitet wegen ein paar Cent – was für ein Krämer!
He argues over a few cents—what a petty miser!
dealer
Händler is the neutral and general term for someone who buys and resells goods. Krämer refers to a small shopkeeper in historical contexts and can sound derogatory today. Händler is therefore usually the better fit for a modern business.
Im historischen Roman verkauft der Krämer in seinem kleinen Laden Lebensmittel und Haushaltswaren.
In the historical novel, the grocer sells food and household goods in his small shop.
Heute verkauft der Händler in seinem kleinen Laden Lebensmittel und Haushaltswaren.
Today, the dealer sells food and household goods in his small shop.
