guild
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guild
An association of craftsmen of the same trade in the Middle Ages and the early modern period that represented economic, social, and political interests.
Im Mittelalter regelte die Zunft der Bäcker die Preise und die Qualität des Brotes.
In the Middle Ages, the bakers' guild regulated the prices and quality of bread.
profession / guild
A figurative, often slightly derogatory term for all members of a particular profession who are perceived as a closed group.
Die Zunft der Kritiker war sich über den neuen Film völlig uneinig.
The guild of critics was completely divided over the new film.
You can recognize the meaning of 'Zunft' (guild) from the context. If people are talking about the Middle Ages and traditional crafts (e.g., bakers, blacksmiths), it refers to the historical association. If it refers to modern professions (e.g., doctors, lawyers), it is a figurative term.
Die Zunft der Schuhmacher hatte im Mittelalter großen Einfluss.
The shoemakers' guild had great influence in the Middle Ages.
When 'Zunft' (guild/profession) is used for a modern professional group, it often has a slightly ironic or critical undertone. It can suggest that the group thinks it is something better or protects its own interests.
Man kommt nur schwer gegen die Zunft der Anwälte an.
It is hard to stand up to the guild of lawyers.
In a historical context, 'Zunft' (guild) is often connected with traditional craft trades, for example 'die Zunft der Schneider' (the tailors' guild), 'die Zunft der Maurer' (the masons' guild), or 'die Zunft der Tischler' (the carpenters' guild).
Jeder Handwerker in der Stadt musste der entsprechenden Zunft beitreten.
Every craftsman in the city had to join the appropriate guild.
guild
Gilde and Zunft can both refer to a historical professional association. Zunft is used especially for craftspeople in the same trade, whereas Gilde can also include merchants and other shared professional interests. Use Zunft for a clearly defined craft and Gilde for a broader association.
Die Zunft der Bäcker regelte im Mittelalter die Interessen dieses Handwerks.
The bakers' guild regulated the interests of this trade in the Middle Ages.
Die Gilde der Kaufleute regelte im Mittelalter gemeinsame berufliche Interessen.
The merchants' guild regulated their shared professional interests in the Middle Ages.
