carpenter
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carpenter
A craftsman who builds and repairs wooden structures, especially roof frames and half-timbered houses. The plural is 'Zimmerleute' (carpenters).
Der Zimmermann hat den neuen Dachstuhl für das Haus errichtet.
The carpenter built the new roof frame for the house.
The word is made up of 'Zimmer' (room) and 'Mann' (man). Historically, this craftsman did not build just individual rooms, but the entire wooden framework of a house, which used to be called 'Gezimmer' (timberwork).
Für den Bau des Dachstuhls brauchen wir einen erfahrenen Zimmermann.
We need an experienced carpenter to build the roof frame.
The noun 'Zimmermann' (carpenter) is closely related to the verb 'zimmern', which means 'to build or construct something out of wood.' The carpenter's activity is therefore 'Zimmern' (carpentry).
Er hat ein kleines Vogelhaus für den Garten gezimmert.
He built a small birdhouse for the garden out of wood.
The profession of 'Zimmermann' (carpenter) has a long tradition in Germany. This includes typical work clothing (guild clothing) and the 'Richtfest' (topping-out ceremony), a celebration held when the roof frame of a house is finished.
Beim Richtfest hielt der Zimmermann eine kurze Rede.
At the topping-out ceremony, the carpenter gave a short speech.
carpenter
'der Zimmermann' and 'der Schreiner' are both craftspeople who work with wood. The difference is mainly in the type of work. A 'Zimmermann' builds and repairs large wooden structures, for example roof frames or parts of half-timbered houses. A 'Schreiner' is more likely to make or repair furniture, doors, windows, or other precise woodwork. Learners may confuse the words because both professions have to do with wood. When it is about the roof or house construction with large beams, 'Zimmermann' fits better. When it is about furniture or interior construction, 'Schreiner' sounds more natural.
Für den neuen Dachstuhl braucht die Familie einen erfahrenen Zimmermann.
The family needs an experienced carpenter for the new roof frame.
Der Schreiner baut für die Küche einen passenden Holzschrank.
The carpenter is building a matching wooden cabinet for the kitchen.