Geschäft
/ɡəˈʃɛft/
The German word for 'store' is Geschäft.
Geschäft refers to a shop or a business. Note that if you are referring specifically to a large department store, the word Kaufhaus is used instead.
Meaning: shop (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Geschäft can literally mean 'business', 'transaction' or 'shop'.
Which one should you use?
While Geschäft is a general term for a business or shop, the word Laden is a more common and slightly more informal term used specifically for small retail shops or stalls.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Geschäft is Geschäfte.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʃɛft/
Did you know?
- In German, the word Geschäft is also a common euphemism for using the toilet, similar to the English phrase 'doing one's business'.
- The word Laden can also refer to a 'charger' for electronics, as both meanings involve the concept of 'loading' or 'filling'.
- The word Laden originally comes from the verb laden, meaning 'to load', referring to the act of loading goods into a stall.
Examples in context
- Tom ist im Geschäft.Tom is in the store.This sentence shows how to say someone is in the Geschäft.Tatoeba #12460551 by Waldelfe, translation #9107003 by CK
- Sami war im Geschäft.Sami was inside the store.This sentence describes someone being inside the Geschäft in the past tense.Tatoeba #7251355 by dost, translation #7248631 by OsoHombre
- Das Geschäft ist offen.The store is open.This sentence describes the state of a Geschäft being open.Tatoeba #6672380 by moskytoo, translation #6672382 by moskytoo
- Lass uns in den Laden gehen und ein paar Süßigkeiten holen.Let's go to the store and get some candies.
- In unserem Dorf gibt es einen gemütlichen Tante-Emma-Laden.In our village, there is a cozy corner store.
- 114 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are walking in the city.
- JulianWo ist das nächste Geschäft?Where is the nearest shop?
- SarahDas Geschäft ist direkt um die Ecke.The shop is right around the corner.
- JulianIst das Geschäft heute geöffnet?Is the shop open today?
- SarahJa, Julian, das Geschäft hat bis acht Uhr offen.Yes, Julian, the shop is open until eight o'clock.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Geschäft, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
