Kerzenzieher
masculine
The English word chandler is translated into German as Kerzenzieher. Wiktionary also lists Kerzenmacher and Kerzenmacherin.
Meaning: person who makes or sells candles (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | Note |
|---|---|
| Kerzenmacher | masculine |
| Kerzenmacherin | feminine |
| Kerzenzieher | masculine |
| Lichtzieher | masculine |
| Lichtzieherin | feminine |
The terms used in German refer to a person who makes or sells candles.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Kerzenmacher is a compound of Kerzen (candles) and Macher (maker).
Which one should you use?
Kerzenmacher is a general term for a candle maker, whereas Kerzenzieher specifically refers to the traditional craft of pulling candles. Other masculine forms include Lichtzieher.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify a female candle maker, the suffix -in is added to the masculine forms, resulting in Kerzenmacherin or Lichtzieherin.
Did you know?
- In older German, the word Licht was the common term for a candle, which is why a chandler can be called a Lichtzieher.
- Historically, the guild of Kerzenmacher in German cities held strict monopolies, often limiting how many people could practice the trade in one town.
- While 'chandler' in English can also mean a dealer in supplies, the German Kerzenmacher is strictly limited to the production of candles.
Examples in context
- Der Säger hat Holz zur Küferwerkstatt gebracht, aber der Küfer wartet noch auf den Bandschmied. Der Kerzenmacher hingegen hat alles, was er braucht.The sawyer brought some timber over to the cooper's shop, but the cooper is still waiting on the hooper. The chandler is doing fine, though.This sentence is useful for showing the contrast between the different trades in a workshop setting using Kerzenmacher.Tatoeba #1372187 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1372008 by Thanuir
- Herr Chandler, es freut mich, Sie kennenzulernen.Mr. Chandler, it's a pleasure to meet you.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are visiting a historical craft market.
- MaximilianSchau mal, dort arbeitet ein echter Kerzenzieher!Look, a real chandler is working over there!
- SarahDas ist ja faszinierend, wie er das macht.It is fascinating how he does that.
- MaximilianIch glaube, der Kerzenzieher verkauft seine Waren hier.I think the chandler is selling his wares here.
- SarahDann kaufen wir eine große Kerze für zu Hause.Then let's buy a large candle for home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chandler” translations and entries Kerzenzieher, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
