bricklayer / mason
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bricklayer / mason
A tradesperson who professionally builds walls and structures out of stones, bricks, or concrete blocks.
Der Maurer hat die Ziegelwand für das neue Haus hochgezogen.
The bricklayer built the brick wall for the new house.
The word 'der Maurer' (the bricklayer/mason) is derived directly from 'die Mauer' (the wall). A Maurer is therefore literally someone who builds walls.
Auf der Baustelle arbeiten mehrere Maurer am Fundament.
Several bricklayers are working on the foundation at the construction site.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Maurer' from context. If it is about building, bricks, or construction sites, it refers to the tradesperson. In connection with words like 'Loge' (lodge), 'Bruderschaft' (brotherhood), or 'Ritual' (ritual), it refers to a Freemason.
Der Maurer verlegt gerade die ersten Steine für die neue Garage.
The bricklayer is laying the first stones for the new garage.
In connection with the skilled trade, 'Maurer' is often used in fixed phrases. Typical ones are 'als Maurer arbeiten' (to work as a bricklayer), 'einen Maurer beauftragen' (to hire a bricklayer), or 'eine Ausbildung zum Maurer machen' (to train as a bricklayer).
Mein Nachbar hat für den Anbau einen erfahrenen Maurer beauftragt.
My neighbor hired an experienced bricklayer for the extension.
In the meaning of 'Freimaurer' (Freemason), 'Maurer' is a shortened form. This usage is specific and is mostly found in historical, cultural, or philosophical texts.
Er forscht über die Symbolik der Maurer im 18. Jahrhundert.
He is researching the symbolism of the Masons in the 18th century.
construction worker
'der Maurer' and 'der Bauarbeiter' both refer to people who can work on a construction site. However, 'Maurer' is a specific profession: a bricklayer or mason builds walls and works with stones, bricks, or concrete blocks. 'Bauarbeiter' is more general and can refer to many different kinds of physical work on a construction site. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Maurer' is also a 'Bauarbeiter'. But not every 'Bauarbeiter' is a 'Maurer'. If the exact activity involving walls is important, you say 'Maurer'. If you only mean work on a construction site in general, 'Bauarbeiter' fits.
Der Maurer setzt heute die neue Wand im Keller.
The bricklayer is building the new wall in the basement today.
Vor dem Haus reparieren mehrere Bauarbeiter die Straße.
Several construction workers are repairing the road in front of the house.