Handel
/ˈhandl̩/masculine
The English word 'trade' is translated into German as Handel.
Handel refers to the general concept of buying and selling.
Meaning: buying and selling (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Handel refers to the general concept of trade or commerce, it is distinct from Gewerbe, which refers more specifically to a specific trade, craft or business enterprise.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Handel is a masculine noun used with the definite article der Handel. In compound nouns, Handel often appears as a prefix joined with an '-s-' (a genitive s), such as in Handelsbilanz (balance of trade) or Handelsabkommen (trade agreement).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈhandl̩/
Did you know?
- The word Handel is a homonym for another common German word that means 'quarrel' or 'dispute'.
- The word Handel is closely related to the German word Hand meaning 'hand', reflecting the history of exchanging goods by hand.
- In German, the phrase mit jemandem handeln can mean 'to bargain' with someone to lower a price, rather than just conducting general trade.
Examples in context
- Die Handelsbilanz ist negativ.The balance of trade is negative.This sentence shows how to use the form Handel in the context of a balance of trade.Tatoeba #7726694 by brauchinet, translation #8960791 by sundown
- Wir brauchen mehr Handelsabkommen.We need more trade agreements.This sentence shows how to use the form Handel in the context of trade agreements.Tatoeba #5301613 by Sudajaengi, translation #4529656 by CK
- Japan betreibt viel Handel mit Kanada.Japan does a lot of trade with Canada.This sentence shows how to use the form Handel regarding international trade.Tatoeba #1514833 by Esperantostern, translation #281488 by CK
- Dieses Geschäft betreibt internationalen HandelThis business engages in international trade
- Sie können mit diesem Unternehmen handelnYou can trade with this company
- Der internationale Handel ist für die Wirtschaft von großer BedeutungInternational trade is of great importance for the economy
- Ich möchte mein Buch gegen dein Spielzeug tauschenI want to trade my book for your toy
- 33 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing the local economy.
- MaximilianDer Handel in der Stadt läuft gerade sehr gut.Trade in the city is doing very well right now.
- JuliaGlaubst du, dass das an den neuen Geschäften liegt?Do you think that is because of the new shops?
- MaximilianJa, der Handel mit lokalen Produkten ist sehr beliebt.Yes, the trade in local products is very popular.
- JuliaDas ist wirklich eine gute Nachricht für uns.That is really good news for us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “trade” translations and entries Handel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Handel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
