Imker
/ˈɪmkɐ/masculine
The English word beekeeper is translated into German as Imker. Wiktionary also lists Imkerin and Bienenzüchter.
Meaning: someone who keeps bees (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Imker | /ˈɪmkɐ/ | masculine |
| Imkerin | feminine | |
| Bienenzüchter | /ˈbiːnənˌt͡sʏçtɐ/ | masculine |
| Bienenzüchterin | feminine | |
| Beutner | masculine | |
| Beutnerin | feminine | |
| Bienenvater | masculine | |
| Bienenmutter | masculine | |
| Zeidler | /ˈt͡saɪ̯dlɐ/ | masculine |
| Zeidlerin | feminine | |
| Zeidelmeister | masculine | |
| Zeidelmeisterin | feminine | |
| Bienenhalter | masculine | |
| Bienenhalterin | feminine |
Zeidler refers specifically to a historical or specialized type of beekeeper who keeps bees in hollow trees in forests.
What does it mean word for word?
The term Bienenhalter is composed of Bienen (bees) and Halter (holder/keeper).
Which one should you use?
Imker is the standard, most common term for a beekeeper.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female beekeeper, you add the suffix -in to the masculine form Imker.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɪmkɐ/
Did you know?
- German offers the highly specific term Bienenvater, which literally means 'bee father', a way to describe a beekeeper through a familial metaphor.
- The word Imker likely hides the word for a 'basket' inside it. It may stem from the Middle Low German word immenkar, meaning 'beehive', where kar refers to a basket.
- In historical contexts, a Zeidelmeister was not just a beekeeper but a master of the forest honey trade, often holding a privileged legal status.
Examples in context
- Tom ist kein Imker.Tom isn't a beekeeper.This sentence is useful for practicing the negation of the noun Imker.Tatoeba #13870991 by Vortarulo, translation #8969797 by CK
- Der Imker kümmert sich liebevoll um seine Bienenvölker.The beekeeper lovingly takes care of his beehives.
- Mein Großvater ist ein passionierter Bienenzüchter.My grandfather is a passionate beekeeper.
- Der Imker trägt einen Schutzanzug.The beekeeper is wearing a protective suit.
- Mein Onkel arbeitet als Imker.My uncle works as a beekeeper.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Julian are walking through a meadow near a garden.
- HannahSiehst du den Mann dort?Do you see the man over there?
- JulianJa, ist das ein Imker?Yes, is that a beekeeper?
- HannahJa, er pflegt die Bienen.Yes, he is tending to the bees.
- JulianDas ist ein interessanter Beruf.That is an interesting profession.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beekeeper” translations and entries Imker, Imkerin, Bienenzüchter, Zeidler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bienenzüchter, Imker, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
