der  Geschäftsmann

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɡəˈʃɛftsmann/

🌍 What does "der Geschäftsmann" mean?

Der Geschäftsmann (plural: die Geschäftsmänner or, more modern and common, die Geschäftsleute) is a man who is professionally active in the business world, especially in trade or within a company. He makes business decisions, conducts negotiations, and is often self-employed or in a management position.

The word traditionally refers to a male person. The female equivalent is die Geschäftsfrau (businesswoman).

⚠️ Note on Gender Neutrality: In modern German usage, the plural Geschäftsleute (business people) is often preferred to include all genders, or gender-neutral formulations like geschäftlich tätige Person (person active in business) are used, although these can be more cumbersome.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Geschäftsmann

Geschäftsmann is a masculine noun. The article is der.

Declension of 'der Geschäftsmann'

Note on the plural: "Geschäftsmänner" is grammatically correct, but "Geschäftsleute" (business people) is more commonly used and more inclusive.

📝 Example Sentences

• Nominative: Der Geschäftsmann reist viel. (The businessman travels a lot.)
• Genitive: Das Büro des Geschäftsmanns ist sehr modern. (The businessman's office is very modern.)
• Dative: Ich gebe dem Geschäftsmann die Unterlagen. (I give the documents to the businessman.)
• Accusative: Wir treffen den Geschäftsmann morgen. (We are meeting the businessman tomorrow.)
• Plural: Viele Geschäftsleute nahmen an der Konferenz teil. (Many business people attended the conference.)

💡 How is "Geschäftsmann" used?

The term Geschäftsmann is used to describe a man active in the business world. This can cover a wide range of activities, from being a retailer to heading a large corporation.

• Typical Contexts: Business news, job titles, discussions about commerce and finance.
• Connotation: Depending on the context, it can be neutral, positive (successful, clever), or sometimes slightly negative (cold, focused only on profit).
• Distinction from other terms:
  • Unternehmer (entrepreneur): More specifically refers to someone who has founded or owns a company and bears entrepreneurial risk. A Geschäftsmann can also be an employee.
  • Kaufmann (merchant): Often used synonymously, but emphasizes the trading aspect more strongly.
  • Manager: Refers to a management position within a company, not necessarily ownership or founding.

Using the plural "Geschäftsmänner" can be perceived as outdated or non-inclusive; "Geschäftsleute" (business people) is often the better choice unless explicitly referring only to men.

🧠 Mnemonics

Article "der": Think of a typical man (masculine!) in a suit doing Geschäfte (business) – he is the man for the job: der Geschäftsmann.

Meaning: Break down the word: "Geschäft" (business) + "Mann" (man) = A man involved in business.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

🚨 Careful, don't confuse with:

• Geschäftsfrau: The female counterpart to the Geschäftsmann; businesswoman.
• Geschäftsführer: A specific managing director / CEO role (often an employee).

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Geschäftsmann den anderen: "Wie kommt es, dass du immer so entspannt bist, obwohl du so viel arbeitest?"

Antwortet der andere: "Ganz einfach: Ich mache mir keine Sorgen. Dafür habe ich Leute angestellt."

(Translation: One businessman asks another: "How come you're always so relaxed even though you work so much?" The other replies: "Simple: I don't worry. I've hired people for that.")

✍️ Poem about the Geschäftsmann

Der Geschäftsmann, stets auf Trab,
nimmt selten mal die Füße ab.
Von Meeting zu Meeting, das Telefon heiß,
er handelt und plant mit Fleiß.

Verträge, Zahlen, großer Plan,
so zieht er seine Business-Bahn.
Mal hoch, mal tief, das ist der Lauf,
nimmt er im Wirtschaftsleben in Kauf.

(Translation: The businessman, always on the go, / rarely takes his feet off though. / From meeting to meeting, the phone runs hot, / he trades and plans diligently, on the spot. / Contracts, numbers, a grand design, / thus he draws his business line. / Sometimes high, sometimes low, that's the way, / he accepts it in the economic fray.)

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich trage Anzug, manchmal Krawatte fein,
handle mit Waren oder biete Dienste an – online oder im Schein.
Ich reise oft, verhandle gern und viel,
mein Ziel ist meist der nächste Deal.

Wer bin ich?

(Translation: I wear a suit, sometimes a fine tie, / trade goods or offer services – online or in plain sight. / I travel often, negotiate gladly and much, / my goal is usually the next clutch [deal]. / Who am I?)

(Answer: Der Geschäftsmann / The businessman)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Geschäftsmann" is a compound noun, made up of:

• das Geschäft: Refers to business, trade, company, or a transaction.
• der Mann: Refers to a man.

Cultural Aspects: The image of the Geschäftsmann is often associated with attributes like success, professionalism, but sometimes also stress and competition. Stereotypes can vary depending on the industry and culture.