das  Gewerbe

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈvɛʁbə/

💼 What does "das Gewerbe" mean?

Das Gewerbe (noun, neuter) refers to an independent, profit-oriented, and long-term activity. It encompasses a wide range of economic activities, particularly in the fields of trade (Handel), crafts (Handwerk), and industry (Industrie). In Germany, a Gewerbe usually needs to be officially registered (this process is called Gewerbeanmeldung).

• Main meaning: Economic activity (trade, craft, service, etc.) carried out independently, regularly, and with the intention of making a profit.
• Colloquially often: A small or medium-sized business or shop.
• Distinction: Liberal professions (freie Berufe) (e.g., doctors, lawyers, artists) and primary production (Urproduktion) (agriculture and forestry) are generally not considered Gewerbe in the narrow sense of trade law (Gewerberecht), although they are economic activities. ⚠️

Article rules for der, die, and das

📐 Grammar of "das Gewerbe" in Detail

"Gewerbe" is a noun with the neuter article das. It is declined as follows:

💡 Example Sentences

1. Er hat ein kleines Gewerbe angemeldet.
   (He registered a small business.)
2. Die Stadt fördert lokale Gewerbe.
   (The city supports local businesses/trades.)
3. Für dieses Gewerbe benötigt man eine spezielle Erlaubnis.
   (A special permit is required for this trade/business.)
4. Im Industriegebiet gibt es viele verschiedene Gewerbe.
   (There are many different businesses/trades in the industrial park.)
5. Die Einnahmen aus dem Gewerbe müssen versteuert werden (Gewerbesteuer).
   (The income from the business must be taxed (trade tax).)

📝 How to use "das Gewerbe"?

• Context: Primarily used in economic, legal, and administrative contexts. Common phrases include "ein Gewerbe anmelden/abmelden/betreiben" (to register/deregister/run a business).
• Distinctions:
  • Gewerbe vs. Geschäft: Geschäft can refer to a single shop or a specific transaction, while Gewerbe refers to the activity as a whole.
  • Gewerbe vs. Unternehmen: Unternehmen is a more general term for an economic entity, including larger corporations. A Gewerbe is often, but not always, a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME).
  • Gewerbe vs. Beruf: Beruf refers to a person's learned or practiced profession or occupation, while Gewerbe denotes independent economic activity. Not every Beruf is a Gewerbe (e.g., employee, freelancer).
• Typical Phrases: "ein florierendes Gewerbe" (a thriving business), "das produzierende Gewerbe" (the manufacturing industry/trade), "ein Gewerbe ausüben" (to practice a trade/run a business), "vom Gewerbe leben" (to live off one's business).

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Gewerbe"

For the article: Think of das House (das Haus). Many businesses (Gewerbe) operate out of a building, das Haus. Both are neuter.

For the meaning: A Gewerbe involves *giving* (sounds like *Ge-*) your *verve* (energy, sounds like *-werbe*) to your business activities.

🔄 Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Terms

Related Terms (beware of confusion):

• Gewerbesteuer: Trade tax - a tax levied on the profits of a Gewerbe.
• Gewerbeanmeldung: Business registration - the administrative act of registering a Gewerbe with the relevant authority.
• Gewerbegebiet: Industrial park / commercial area - an area designated for commercial enterprises.
• Gewerkschaft: Trade union / labor union - an organization representing workers' interests (🚨 sounds similar, but unrelated to Gewerbe!).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Richter den Angeklagten: "Welches Gewerbe üben Sie aus?"
Antwortet der Angeklagte: "Ich bin Geldeintreiber."
Richter: "Interessant. Für wen denn?"
Angeklagter: "Für mich selbst!"

Translation:
The judge asks the defendant: "What trade/business do you practice?"
The defendant answers: "I'm a debt collector."
Judge: "Interesting. For whom?"
Defendant: "For myself!"

✍️ Poem about "das Gewerbe"

Ein Plan, ein Mut, ein Start, ein Schritt,
Das Gewerbe nimmt dich mit.
Mal Handel, mal Handwerk, mal Dienst am Mann,
Damit man Steuern zahlen kann.
Es braucht Geduld und Energie,
Doch bringt auch Brot – das leugne nie.
Ob klein, ob groß, ob alt, ob neu,
Das Gewerbe bleibt sich treu.

Translation:
A plan, some courage, a start, a step,
The business/trade takes you along.
Sometimes trade, sometimes craft, sometimes service provided,
So that one can pay taxes.
It needs patience and energy,
But also brings bread – never deny that.
Whether small, whether large, whether old, whether new,
The business/trade remains true to itself.

🤔 Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Hobby, keine Kunst,
brauche Anmeldung, nicht nur Gunst.
Ich schaffe Arbeit, zahle Lohn,
bin oft ein kleiner Laden schon.
Man braucht mich für die Wirtschaft sehr,
was bin ich? Sag es mir!

Translation:
I am no hobby, no art,
Need registration, not just favour's start.
I create jobs, pay wages fair,
Am often just a small shop there.
The economy needs me dearly,
What am I? Tell me clearly!

Solution: das Gewerbe

🧐 Interesting Facts about "das Gewerbe"

• Etymology: The word "Gewerbe" derives from the Old High German "giwerbi", meaning "activity, occupation, acquisition". It is related to the verb "werben" (in the old sense of "to be active, busy", not just the modern sense of "to advertise").
• Compounds: "Gewerbe" forms part of many German compound words that specify aspects: Gewerbeordnung (trade regulation ordinance), Gewerbeaufsicht (trade supervisory authority), Gewerbefreiheit (freedom of trade), Kleingewerbe (small business), Reisegewerbe (itinerant trade), Gastgewerbe (hospitality industry), Baugewerbe (construction trade).
• Cultural Significance: The concept of the "honorable merchant" (ehrbarer Kaufmann) and the high regard for crafts and trade are deeply rooted in German economic history and shape the understanding of Gewerbe.