Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geschäft | /ɡəˈʃɛft/ /ɡeˈʃɛft/ |
neuter |
| Unternehmen | /ˌʊntɐˈneːmən/ | neuter |
| Firma | /fɪrma/ (Germany, Standard) | feminine |
The term for business varies depending on whether you are referring to a physical shop, a large-scale enterprise or a specific legal entity.
Which one should you use?
While Geschäft can mean a commercial enterprise, it is most commonly used to refer to a physical shop or a specific transaction/deal. In contrast, Unternehmen is the preferred term for a larger-scale commercial enterprise or corporation. Firma specifically refers to the legal entity or the name under which a business operates, rather than the physical shop itself.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural of Geschäft is Geschäfte. The plural of Firma is Firmen. The word Unternehmen is an indeclinable noun, meaning its form remains the same in both singular and plural (though the article changes). To express that something is being done 'on business' or is 'business-related', use the adjective geschäftlich.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʃɛft/
Did you know?
- The German word for business, Unternehmen, literally translates to 'undertaking' or 'the act of taking something upon oneself'.
- The word Firma is actually a linguistic traveler that was borrowed directly from Italian.
Examples in context
- Das gehört zum Geschäft.It's business.This sentence shows how to say 'It's business' using Geschäft.Tatoeba #1314487 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #433519 by CK
- Mein Geschäft läuft gut.My business is prospering.This sentence uses Geschäft to describe a business that is prospering.Tatoeba #1817364 by Tamy, translation #250998 by CM
- Tom war geschäftlich da.Tom was there on business.This sentence uses the adjective geschäftlich to say someone was there on business.Tatoeba #3412191 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2821463 by CK
- Das Unternehmen expandiert international.The business is expanding internationally.
- Das Unternehmen plant eine Fusion.The business is planning a merger.
- Die Firma hat eine neue Fabrik eröffnet.The company has opened a new factory.
- Der Betrieb läuft reibungslos.The business is running smoothly.
- Der Betrieb sucht nach neuen Mitarbeitern.The business is searching for new employees.
- Ich habe ein eigenes Geschäft eröffnet.I have opened my own business.
- Ich habe das Geschäft von meinem Vater übernommen.I took over my father's business.
- Wir müssen über geschäftliche Angelegenheiten sprechen.We need to discuss business matters.
- Mein Laden läuft gut.My business is doing well.
- Der Laden bietet eine große Auswahl an Produkten.The business provides a wide range of products.
- 268 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are walking through the city center.
- FelixIst das dein neues Geschäft?Is that your new business?
- SarahJa, ich habe es letzte Woche eröffnet.Yes, I opened it last week.
- FelixDas Geschäft sieht wirklich toll aus.The business looks really great.
- SarahVielen Dank, Felix!Thank you very much, Felix!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “business” translations and entries Geschäft, Unternehmen, Firma, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Firma, Geschäft, Unternehmen, unternehmen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
