Mechaniker
/meˈçaːnikɐ/masculine
The English phrase "mechanic" is translated into German as Mechaniker. If unsure, use Mechaniker. Wiktionary also lists Mechanikerin.
Meaning: skilled worker on machinery (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mechaniker | /meˈçaːnikɐ/ | masculine |
| Mechanikerin | /meˈçaːnikɐʁɪn/ | feminine |
A mechanic is a skilled worker on machinery. To specify an automotive mechanic, the compound term Kfz-Mechaniker is often used. You may encounter Kfz-Techniker for an automotive technician or Kraftfahrzeugmechatroniker to describe a professional who covers both mechanical and electronic aspects of vehicle maintenance.
Which one should you use?
German uses the suffix -in to specify that the mechanic is female, forming the word Mechanikerin.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form Mechaniker follows the weak declension pattern in the accusative and dative cases, which means it adds an -n in those cases (for example, mit dem Mechaniker).
How do you pronounce it?
/meˈçaːnikɐ/
Did you know?
- In a casual setting, a German might refer to their Mechaniker as a Schrauber, which literally means 'screwer' or 'someone who screws'. This is a friendly term for a hobbyist or an expert who loves to tinker.
- In Germany, becoming a Meister (master) is a rigorous legal qualification. A Mechaniker cannot legally open their own independent workshop or train apprentices without earning this specific title.
- The abbreviation Kfz in Kfz-Mechaniker stands for 'Kraftfahrzeug', a formal term that sounds much more technical than the English word 'car'.
Examples in context
- Ihr Ex war Mechaniker.Her ex was a mechanic.This sentence uses Mechaniker to describe a person's former profession.Tatoeba #7010319 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #7009822 by Eccles17
- Tom wollte Mechaniker werden.Tom wanted to be a mechanic.This sentence uses Mechaniker to describe a career ambition.Tatoeba #2717315 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2543331 by CK
- Du bist kein Mechaniker, oder?You're not a mechanic, are you?This sentence uses Mechaniker to ask about someone's profession.Tatoeba #8584130 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6349958 by CK
- Ich habe eine Panne. Kennst du einen guten Automechaniker?I have a breakdown. Do you know a good mechanic?
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hannah and Felix are discussing a broken lawnmower.
- HannahKannst du den Rasenmäher reparieren, Felix?Can you repair the lawnmower, Felix?
- FelixNein, ich bin kein Mechaniker.No, I am not a mechanic.
- HannahDann brauchen wir einen Mechaniker.Then we need a mechanic.
- FelixIch kenne einen guten Mechaniker.I know a good mechanic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mechanic” translations and entries Mechaniker, Mechanikerin, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
