Geschäftsinhaber
The German phrase for business owner is Geschäftsinhaber.
Geschäftsinhaber refers to a person who possesses and manages a company or a shop.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of Geschäft (business/shop) and Inhaber (owner).
Which one should you use?
While Geschäftsinhaber specifically implies a business or shop, the shorter Inhaber is often used in professional contexts once the context of ownership is established.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form Geschäftsinhaber can be changed to the feminine Geschäftsinhaberin to refer specifically to a woman. The plural feminine form is Geschäftsinhaberinnen. The form Geschäftsinhaber is used for the plural when referring to a group of male owners or a mixed-gender group of owners.
Did you know?
- If a Geschäftsinhaber manages a craft-based business like a bakery or a carpentry shop, they are often called a Meister. This title is a protected professional qualification and is more prestigious than simply being an owner.
- In German, the term Inhaber is also the standard word for a 'holder' or 'bearer' of specific documents, such as an Inhaber of a banknote or a check.
- The word Geschäft can mean both a 'business' and a 'shop' but also a 'deal' or 'transaction'. In a casual context, calling someone's business a Geschäft might imply they are just making a quick profit rather than running a company.
Examples in context
- Ich möchte den Geschäftsinhaber sprechen.I would like to speak to the business owner.
- Der Firmeninhaber hat die Entscheidung getroffen.The company owner made the decision.
- Als Unternehmer müssen wir stets innovativ sein.As entrepreneurs, we must always be innovative.
- Mein Nachbar ist ein Unternehmer.My neighbor is a business owner.
- Der Ladenbesitzer ist sehr freundlich.The store owner is very friendly.
- Er ist ein erfolgreicher Geschäftsinhaber.He is a successful business owner.
- Die Geschäftsinhaberin führt das Café sehr gut.The business owner runs the café very well.
- Ich muss mit dem Geschäftsinhaber sprechen.I need to speak with the business owner.
Example conversation
Hannah is visiting a small boutique and wants to ask about a product.
- HannahHallo, ist der Geschäftsinhaber im Haus?Hello, is the business owner in?
- LukasJa, ich bin der Geschäftsinhaber. Kann ich helfen?Yes, I am the business owner. Can I help?
- HannahIch möchte dieses Kleid gerne bestellen.I would like to order this dress.
- LukasDas mache ich sehr gerne für Sie, Hannah.I would be happy to do that for you, Hannah.
