der  Familienbetrieb

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/faˈmiːli̯ənbəˌtʁiːp/

🏢 What exactly is a Familienbetrieb?

A Familienbetrieb is a business that is owned and operated by members of a single family. Often, the company is passed down through generations. The focus is frequently not just on pure profit, but also on tradition, long-term stability, and preserving the business for the next generation.

It is a masculine noun, so the article is always der: der Familienbetrieb.

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Familienbetrieb

The word "Familienbetrieb" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der alte Bäckerladen ist ein echter Familienbetrieb.
   (The old bakery is a real family business.)
2. Die Zukunft des Familienbetriebes ist ungewiss, da die Kinder andere Pläne haben.
   (The future of the family business is uncertain because the children have other plans.)
3. Wir unterstützen gerne lokale Familienbetriebe.
   (We like to support local family businesses.)
4. Sie hat den Familienbetrieb von ihren Eltern übernommen.
   (She took over the family business from her parents.)

💡 When to use "Familienbetrieb"?

The term "Familienbetrieb" is commonly used to describe a specific type of business structure and culture. It is used in:

• Business news: Reports on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), especially in crafts or the hospitality industry. The German term for SME is KMU (kleine und mittlere Unternehmen).
• Local contexts: Describing shops or service providers within a community.
• Discussions about corporate culture: Often associated with values like Tradition (tradition), Loyalität (loyalty), persönliches Engagement (personal commitment), and sometimes with challenges like Nachfolgeplanung (succession planning).
• Distinction from large corporations: In contrast to anonymous public limited companies (Aktiengesellschaften), the term emphasizes the personal connection and responsibility of the owning family.

⚠️ Sometimes the term can also have slightly negative connotations if nepotism (Vetternwirtschaft) or a lack of professionalization is implied, but the primary meaning is neutral to positive.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic: The Betrieb (business) runs well when 'der Boss' (often the father/grandfather in the family) is in charge. Remember the 'er' in der and father. So, it's der Familienbetrieb.

Meaning Mnemonic: Picture a large Familie (family) jointly running a Betrieb (like a workshop or shop). Everyone pitches in – it's a true Familienbetrieb.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Wer kann mir ein Beispiel für einen Familienbetrieb nennen?" Meldet sich Fritzchen: "Unsere Familie, Herr Lehrer. Papa bringt das Geld heim, und Mama gibt es wieder aus!"

Translation: The teacher asks: "Who can give me an example of a family business?" Little Fritz answers: "Our family, teacher. Dad brings the money home, and Mom spends it all again!"

📜 Poem about the Familienbetrieb

Von Opa einst mit Schweiß gebaut,
Papa hat drauf vertraut.
Nun führt der Sohn mit junger Hand,
den Betrieb im ganzen Land.
Man kennt sich, grüßt sich, hilft sich aus,
im Familienbetrieb, daheim, zu Haus'.
Kein anonymer, großer Schein,
hier zählt der Mensch, ob groß, ob klein.

Translation:
Once built by Grandpa with sweat,
Dad placed his trust in it yet.
Now the son leads with a young hand,
the business throughout the land.
They know each other, greet, help out,
in the family business, home, about.
No anonymous, grand display,
here people matter, come what may.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich werde oft von Generation zu Generation weitergereicht.
Nicht Aktien zählen hier, sondern Blut ist vielleicht gewichtiger.
Vater, Mutter, Kind – alle können beteiligt sein.
Was bin ich für ein Unternehmen, klein aber fein?

Translation:
I am often passed down from generation to generation.
Stocks don't count here; blood might carry more weight.
Father, mother, child – all can be involved.
What kind of company am I, small but neat?

Solution: Der Familienbetrieb (The family business)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Familienbetrieb" is a compound noun (Kompositum), composed of:

• Familie(n): (family) - Genitive plural 'Familien' or linking element '-n'
• Betrieb: (business, operation, enterprise)

Together, it describes a "business of the family" or a "business belonging to / run by the family".

Cultural Significance: In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, family businesses (Familienbetriebe) hold significant economic and social importance. They often form the backbone of the regional economy, known as the Mittelstand in Germany.