Klempner
/ˈklɛmpnɐ/masculine
The German word for plumber is Klempner. Wiktionary also lists Klempnerin and Installateur.
Meaning: one who fits, etc, pipes for water, gas or drainage (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Klempner | /ˈklɛmpnɐ/ | masculine |
| Klempnerin | /ˈklɛmpnɐʁɪn/ | feminine |
| Installateur | /ˌɪnstalaˈtøːɐ̯/ | masculine |
| Spengler | [ˈʃpɛŋlɐ] (narrow) | masculine |
The term refers to someone who fits pipes for water, gas or drainage.
Which one should you use?
While Klempner is the standard term, Installateur is used to describe a technician specializing in heating, sanitary and water systems. Spengler should not be used for a general plumber, as it refers specifically to a tinsmith who works with sheet metal, such as for roofing or gutters.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Rohrinstallateur is a regional variation used to refer to plumbing professionals.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female plumber, you use the feminine form Klempnerin.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈklɛmpnɐ/
Did you know?
- The word Installateur is a linguistic traveler from French, which is common for technical terms in German that describe specialized mechanical processes.
- In Germany, a Klempner is often distinguished from a Heizungsbauer, who specifically installs heating systems.
- The term Installateur is often perceived as more modern or professional than Klempner in contemporary German business contexts.
Examples in context
- Tom ist kein Klempner.Tom isn't a plumber.This sentence is useful for stating that someone is not a plumber.Tatoeba #9996449 by wolfgangth, translation #8966099 by CK
- Ich bin Klempner von Beruf.I'm a plumber by trade.This sentence is useful for stating one's profession.Tatoeba #3550511 by al_ex_an_der, translation #11045420 by sundown
- Ich brauche einen Klempner.I need a plumber.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a plumber.Tatoeba #5511600 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5509184 by mailohilohi
- Entschuldigen Sie, ich möchte gerne mit einem Installateur sprechen.Excuse me, I would like to speak with a plumber.
- Ich benötige die Dienste eines Installateurs für mein Badezimmer.I require the services of a plumber for my bathroom.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking in their kitchen about a leak.
- LauraFelix, der Klempner muss kommen.Felix, the plumber needs to come.
- FelixIst der Klempner heute da?Is the plumber coming today?
- LauraJa, er kommt am Nachmittag.Yes, he is coming in the afternoon.
- FelixGut, dann ist das Problem gelöst.Good, then the problem will be solved.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “plumber” translations and entries Klempner, Klempnerin, Installateur, Spengler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Installateur, Klempner, Klempnerin, Spengler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
