Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Zimmermann | /ˈt͡sɪmɐˌman/ | masculine |
| Zimmerer | /ˈt͡sɪmərər/ | masculine |
| Zimmerin | feminine | |
| Tischlerin | feminine | |
| Bauschreiner | Swiss German, masculine | |
| Bauschreinerin | feminine | |
| Bautischler | masculine | |
| Bautischlerin | feminine |
In German, the term used depends on the specific type of work being performed. Zimmermann refers specifically to a carpenter who specializes in building construction, structural timber framing and roofing.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Zimmerer is derived from Zimmer, meaning room and refers to a person who builds the wooden structures of a room or house.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between structural work and fine woodworking. Zimmermann and Zimmerer are used for carpenters working with heavy timber and structural framing. In contrast, a Schreiner refers to a carpenter who works on fine wood products such as furniture, doors and cabinetry. The forms Tischlerin and Bautischlerin also exist in the language.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Bauschreiner is used in Swiss-German to describe a carpenter involved in construction. Additionally, Schreiner is the predominant term used in southern Germany, Switzerland and Austria.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms change based on gender: Zimmermann and Zimmerer are masculine, while Zimmerin is the feminine form. Other gender-specific forms include Tischlerin, Bautischlerin and Bauschreinerin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈtsɪmɐˌman/
Did you know?
- The word Zimmermann contains an obsolete connection to the English word 'timber'. In Old High German, the root of the word referred specifically to 'timber' rather than a 'room'.
Examples in context
- Tom war kein Zimmermann.Tom wasn't a carpenter.This sentence is useful for practicing the negative form of the noun Zimmermann.Tatoeba #8633522 by Melang, translation #6356072 by CK
- Jesus war ein Zimmermann.Jesus was a carpenter.This sentence is useful for using the noun Zimmermann in a historical or biblical context.Tatoeba #6296637 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3091285 by Hybrid
- Sein Vater war Zimmermann.His father was a carpenter.This sentence is useful for describing a person's profession using the noun Zimmermann.Tatoeba #5983179 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3958769 by Hybrid
- Ich benötige einen Tischler für ein Projekt.I need a carpenter for a project
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are discussing who can fix the wooden door.
- JuliaDie Tür ist kaputt. Kennst du einen Zimmermann?The door is broken. Do you know a carpenter?
- FelixJa, mein Onkel ist Zimmermann.Yes, my uncle is a carpenter.
- JuliaKann er uns helfen, Felix?Can he help us, Felix?
- FelixKlar, ich rufe ihn gleich an.Sure, I will call him right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “carpenter” translations and entries Zimmermann, Zimmerer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Zimmerer, Zimmermann, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
