An organization of economic self-administration that acts as the statutory representative of the interests of businesses in a country or region. In Germany, the term 'Industrie- und Handelskammer' (Chamber of Industry and Commerce, IHK) is more common; in Austria, 'Wirtschaftskammer' (chamber of commerce) is the central term.
example
Jeder Gewerbetreibende in Österreich ist automatisch Mitglied der Wirtschaftskammer.
Every business owner in Austria is automatically a member of the chamber of commerce.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of 'Wirtschaft' (economy/business), the linking -s, and 'Kammer' (chamber). So it refers to a 'Kammer' (chamber, in the sense of an institution) for the 'Wirtschaft' (economy/business).
EXAMPLE
Die Wirtschaftskammer bietet Beratung für junge Unternehmer an.
The chamber of commerce offers consulting for young entrepreneurs.
Regional usage
This term is especially important in Austria. There, the 'Wirtschaftskammer' (chamber of commerce), often abbreviated as WKO, is the official and statutory representative body for all businesses.
EXAMPLE
In Österreich muss jedes Unternehmen einen Beitrag an die Wirtschaftskammer zahlen.
In Austria, every company has to pay a contribution to the chamber of commerce.
Typical collocations
Common expressions are 'Mitglied der Wirtschaftskammer sein' (to be a member of the chamber of commerce), 'sich an die Wirtschaftskammer wenden' (to contact the chamber of commerce), or 'eine Förderung von der Wirtschaftskammer erhalten' (to receive funding from the chamber of commerce).
EXAMPLE
Für rechtliche Fragen können sich die Mitglieder an ihre Wirtschaftskammer wenden.
For legal questions, members can contact their chamber of commerce.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Wirtschaftskammer vs Handelskammer
chamber of commerce
'die Handelskammer' and 'die Wirtschaftskammer' both refer to organizations that represent the interests of businesses. The difference mainly lies in common usage and the country. In Germany, people usually say 'Industrie- und Handelskammer' or, for short, 'Handelskammer'. 'Wirtschaftskammer' is especially the normal term in Austria for this kind of statutory representative body. Learners may confuse the words because both have very similar functions. So pay attention to the regional context: in Germany, 'Handelskammer' sounds more natural; in Austria, 'Wirtschaftskammer' often does.
Wirtschaftskammer
In Österreich informiert die Wirtschaftskammer viele Betriebe über neue Regeln.
In Austria, the chamber of commerce informs many businesses about new rules.
Handelskammer
In Hamburg hat die Handelskammer einen Kurs für junge Unternehmer angeboten.
In Hamburg, the chamber of commerce offered a course for young entrepreneurs.
