German NOUN C1 Rank 16078

die Wirtschaftskammer

chamber of commerce

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Meanings

die Wirtschaftskammer

chamber of commerce

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

Handelskammer Handwerkskammer

confusable

Wirtschaftskammer vs Handelskammer

chamber of commerce

Both words can refer to an organization representing the interests of businesses. The usual term depends especially on the country: in Germany, people usually say Handelskammer or IHK, while in Austria Wirtschaftskammer is the central term.

Wirtschaftskammer

Das österreichische Unternehmen wendet sich an die regionale Wirtschaftskammer.

The Austrian company contacts the regional chamber of commerce.

Handelskammer

Das deutsche Unternehmen wendet sich an die regionale Handelskammer.

The German company contacts the regional chamber of commerce.

Open full word page: Handelskammer

In real life

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