Bergarbeiter
masculine
The English word "miner" can be translated into German as Bergarbeiter. Wiktionary also lists Bergmann.
Meaning: person who works in a mine (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bergarbeiter | masculine | |
| Bergmann | /ˈbɛrkˌman/ /ˈbɛrçˌman/ |
masculine |
This term refers to a person who works in a mine.
Which one should you use?
Bergarbeiter is the more technical and standard term used to describe the profession. In contrast, Bergmann is often used in a more traditional or poetic sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Austrian and Bavarian regions, the term Hauer is used to mean miner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Bergarbeiter uses the same form for both the singular and the plural. However, the form Bergmann is irregular. Its singular form Bergmann becomes Bergleute in the plural.
Did you know?
- In traditional German mining culture, the phrase Glück auf! is used as a greeting, which translates to a wish that the miner finds a rich vein of ore and returns safely.
- In German mining traditions, the term Bergarbeiter might be accompanied by specific ceremonial salutes or songs that are unique to the coal and ore industries.
- The term Hauer is derived from the verb hauen, which means 'to hew' or 'to chop'.
Examples in context
- Tom ist kein Bergmann.Tom isn't a miner.This sentence shows how to use the negative form with Bergmann.Tatoeba #6462898 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6358359 by CK
- Ich war einmal Bergarbeiter.I used to be a coal miner.This sentence demonstrates how to describe a past profession using Bergarbeiter.Tatoeba #12377340 by mayabe, translation #5860534 by CK
- Der Bergmann hat viele Jahre in der Mine gearbeitet.The miner has worked in the mine for many years.
- Die Grubenarbeiter sind im Bergwerk tätig.The miners are working in the mine.
- Mein Kumpel arbeitet als Bergmann.My buddy works as a miner.
- Die Hauer haben harte Arbeit geleistet.The miners have done hard work.
- Der Bergarbeiter arbeitet heute unter Tage.The miner is working underground today.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are looking at old family photos.
- SarahWer ist der Mann auf diesem Foto?Who is the man in this photo?
- MaximilianDas ist mein Urgroßvater, er war Bergarbeiter.That is my great-grandfather, he was a miner.
- SarahHat er in dieser Stadt gearbeitet?Did he work in this town?
- MaximilianJa, er hat im örtlichen Kohlebergwerk gearbeitet.Yes, he worked in the local coal mine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “miner” translations and entries Bergarbeiter, Bergmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
