mechanical engineer / machine manufacturer
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mechanical engineer
A person who works in the field of mechanical engineering, especially an engineer or skilled worker who designs, builds, or maintains machines.
Als Maschinenbauer entwickelt er Motoren für ein großes Automobilunternehmen.
As a mechanical engineer, he develops engines for a large automotive company.
The word is made up of 'Maschinen' (machines) and 'Bauer' (builder). Here, 'Bauer' comes from the verb 'bauen' (to build) and means 'builder' or 'manufacturer', not 'farmer'. A 'Maschinenbauer' is therefore someone who builds machines.
Der Begriff „Bauer“ in „Maschinenbauer“ leitet sich direkt vom Verb „bauen“ ab.
The term 'Bauer' in 'Maschinenbauer' comes directly from the verb 'bauen' (to build).
Whether a person or a company is meant can be recognized from the context. Verbs like 'arbeiten als' (to work as) or pronouns like 'er' (he) point to a person. Details like 'exportiert' (exports), 'hat 500 Mitarbeiter' (has 500 employees), or 'ist Marktführer' (is market leader) indicate a company.
Mein Bruder arbeitet als Maschinenbauer in Stuttgart.
My brother works as a mechanical engineer in Stuttgart.
When referring to a person, typical phrases are 'eine Ausbildung zum Maschinenbauer machen' (to train as a mechanical engineer/machine builder), 'Maschinenbauer werden' (to become a mechanical engineer), or 'als Maschinenbauer arbeiten' (to work as a mechanical engineer).
Sie macht eine Ausbildung zur Maschinenbauerin.
She is training to become a mechanical engineer.
When a company is meant, the word is often combined with adjectives like 'mittelständisch' (medium-sized), 'führend' (leading), or 'erfolgreich' (successful).
Die Firma ist ein weltweit führender Maschinenbauer für Verpackungsanlagen.
The company is a globally leading machine manufacturer for packaging systems.
engineer
'Ingenieur' and 'Maschinenbauer' can both refer to a person who works in a technical field and plans, builds, or oversees machines or systems. However, 'Ingenieur' is more general: an engineer can work in many technical fields, for example construction, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering. 'Maschinenbauer' is more precise when the field is mechanical engineering. In addition, a Maschinenbauer can also be a skilled worker, not always just an engineer. The words can be confused because many Maschinenbauer are engineers. If the technical profession is meant in general, 'Ingenieur' is more natural; if the field of mechanical engineering is important, 'Maschinenbauer' is more precise.
Als Maschinenbauer entwickelt Paul Teile für große Produktionsanlagen.
As a mechanical engineer, Paul develops parts for large production systems.
Der Ingenieur prüft vor dem Bau die Pläne für die neue Brücke.
Before construction begins, the engineer checks the plans for the new bridge.