stonemason
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stonemason
A craftsperson who works, shapes, and designs natural or artificial stone, for example for buildings, sculptures, or gravestones.
Der Steinmetz meißelte die Inschrift sorgfältig in die Marmorplatte.
The stonemason carefully chiseled the inscription into the marble slab.
The word is made up of 'Stein' (stone) and 'Metz'. 'Metz' is an old word that comes from the verb 'metzeln' (to butcher/cut up) or 'hauen' (to hew) and means 'to cut' or 'to hew'. A 'Steinmetz' (stonemason) is therefore literally a 'Steinhauer' (stone hewer).
Im Mittelalter waren Steinmetze hochangesehene Handwerker.
In the Middle Ages, stonemasons were highly respected craftspeople.
A 'Steinmetz' (stonemason) is often described with verbs that characterize their work. These include 'Stein bearbeiten' (to work stone), 'eine Inschrift meißeln' (to chisel an inscription), or 'einen Grabstein anfertigen' (to make a gravestone).
Wir haben den Steinmetz beauftragt, den Namen auf den Grabstein zu meißeln.
We hired the stonemason to chisel the name onto the gravestone.
'Steinmetz' (stonemason) is the official term for this skilled trade. The term is used when talking about the professional working of stone.
Für die Restaurierung der alten Fassade braucht man einen erfahrenen Steinmetz.
For the restoration of the old facade, you need an experienced stonemason.
bricklayer / mason
'der Maurer' and 'der Steinmetz' are both tradespeople who can work with stone or similar material. The important difference lies in the activity. A 'Maurer' builds walls or parts of buildings out of bricks, stones, or concrete blocks. A 'Steinmetz' works and shapes stone, for example for gravestones, facades, stairs, or sculptures. The words can be confused because both professions have to do with construction and stone. If someone is building something out of stones, 'Maurer' is appropriate. If someone is precisely shaping or working stone, 'Steinmetz' is more exact.
Der Steinmetz gestaltet einen neuen Grabstein aus hellem Granit.
The stonemason is designing a new gravestone out of light-colored granite.
Für den Anbau braucht die Familie einen Maurer.
The family needs a bricklayer for the extension.