der Schmied
blacksmith
A craftsperson who shapes and works metals, especially iron, by heating and hammering them.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmied fertigte ein kunstvolles Tor aus Eisen an.
The blacksmith made an ornate gate out of iron.
der Schmied
blacksmith
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Schmied' (the blacksmith) belongs to the word family of the verb 'schmieden' (to forge). A 'Schmied' (blacksmith) is therefore the person who performs the activity of forging.
EXAMPLE
Der Schmied schmiedet das glühende Eisen mit kräftigen Hammerschlägen.
The blacksmith forges the glowing iron with powerful hammer blows.
Fixed expression
The word is part of a well-known German proverb: 'Jeder ist seines Glückes Schmied.' This means that every person is responsible for their own happiness and success.
EXAMPLE
Du musst die Initiative ergreifen, denn jeder ist seines Glückes Schmied.
You have to take the initiative, because everyone is the maker of their own fortune.
Typical collocations
The work of a blacksmith is often associated with certain materials and products. Typical phrases are 'Eisen schmieden' (to forge iron), 'Metall bearbeiten' (to work metal), or 'Hufeisen herstellen' (to make horseshoes).
EXAMPLE
Früher hat der Dorfschmied Werkzeuge und Hufeisen für alle hergestellt.
In the past, the village blacksmith made tools and horseshoes for everyone.
Compare with
Schmied vs Schlosser
metalworker / locksmith
Both tradespeople work with metal, but „der Schmied“ mainly shapes heated metal by hammering it. „Der Schlosser“, by contrast, makes, works on, and installs metal parts for structures, machines, or buildings. When the work involves blacksmithing, „Schmied“ is the right word; for metal structures, use „Schlosser“.
Schmied
Der Schmied formte das erhitzte Eisen mit schweren Hammerschlägen.
The blacksmith shaped the heated iron with heavy blows of the hammer.
Schlosser
Der Schlosser montierte die neuen Metallteile am Eingangstor.
The metalworker installed the new metal parts on the entrance gate.
In real life
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