Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Metzger | /ˈmɛtsɡər/ | Central, German, South German, West, masculine |
| Fleischer | /ˈflaɪ̯ʃɐ/ | masculine |
| Fleischhacker | Austrian, masculine | |
| Fleischhackerin | Austrian, masculine | |
| Fleischhauer | Austrian, masculine | |
| Fleischhauerin | Austrian, masculine | |
| Metzler | masculine | |
| Metzlerin | feminine | |
| Schlachter | /ˈʃlaχtɐ/ | North German, masculine |
| Schlachterin | North German, feminine | |
| Schlächter | /ˈʃlɛçtɐ/ | North German, masculine |
| Schlächterin | North German, feminine | |
| Knochenhauer | North German, masculine, obsolete | |
| Knochenhauerin | North German, feminine, obsolete | |
| Katzoff | Jewish, masculine, obsolete, possibly | |
| Katzuff | Jewish, masculine, obsolete, possibly |
The terms for butcher describe a person who prepares and sells meat. In a formal context, you may also use the term Lebensmittelhandwerker to refer to a food artisan.
Which one should you use?
While Metzger and Fleischer generally refer to the profession of a butcher, Schlachter can sometimes carry a more literal or even more violent connotation of one who slaughters animals.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The preferred term varies significantly by region. In Austria, Fleischer is the preferred term and Fleischhacker or Fleischhauer are also common. In Southern and Central Germany, Metzger is the most common term. In North Germany, you will find the terms Schlachter or Schlächter. Several obsolete terms exist, such as the North-German Knochenhauer and the possibly Jewish Katzoff or Katzuff.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a female butcher, you add the feminine suffix -in to the masculine noun, such as Metzgerin or Schlachterin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈmɛtsɡər/
Did you know?
- If you call someone a Schlächter instead of a Schlachter, you are implying they are a butcher in a brutal or bloodthirsty sense.
- In the past, the 'butcher's guild' in many German cities held significant political power, often influencing local government decisions and city laws.
- While most terms for butcher are quite standard, the archaic terms Katzoff or Katzuff are thought to have historical links to Jewish meat traders.
Examples in context
- Tom ist ein Metzger.Tom is a butcher.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's profession using Metzger.Tatoeba #12293961 by mayabe, translation #4724930 by CK
- Schlachter handeln mit Fleisch.A butcher deals in meat.This sentence shows how Schlachter is used in a sentence regarding meat dealing.Tatoeba #2325271 by pne, translation #281023 by CM
- Der Schlachter wiegt das Fleisch.The butcher is weighing the meat.This sentence demonstrates the use of Schlachter in an action involving weighing meat.Tatoeba #12418580 by mayabe, translation #2961479 by meerkat
- Ich gehe zum Metzger, um frisches Fleisch zu kaufen.I'm going to the butcher to buy fresh meat.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Julian are planning their grocery shopping.
- LauraJulian, gehen wir zum Metzger?Julian, are we going to the butcher?
- JulianJa, der Metzger hat sehr gute Wurst.Yes, the butcher has very good sausage.
- LauraDann kaufen wir dort Fleisch.Then we will buy meat there.
- JulianGute Idee, Laura.Good idea, Laura.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “butcher” translations and entries Metzger, Fleischer, Fleischhacker, Fleischhauer, Schlachter, Schlächter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
