der  Hausmeister

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaʊsˌmaɪ̯stɐ/

🚪 What exactly is a 'Hausmeister'?

Der Hausmeister (masculine) is a person professionally responsible for the care, maintenance, and upkeep of a building (e.g., residential building, school, office building) or facility. He takes care of minor repairs, cleanliness (often supervision, less often doing it himself), garden maintenance, heating, and often adherence to the Hausordnung (house rules).

The feminine form is die Hausmeisterin.

Basically, der Hausmeister is the 'good soul' of the house, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Common English translations are caretaker, janitor, or building manager, depending on the context and scope of duties.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: Der Hausmeister

The noun "Hausmeister" is masculine and takes the article der. It belongs to the weak nouns (n-declension) group in the plural.

Example Sentences

1. Der Hausmeister repariert das kaputte Treppenlicht.
   (The caretaker is repairing the broken staircase light.)
2. Wir haben uns beim Hausmeister über den Lärm beschwert.
   (We complained to the caretaker about the noise.)
3. Die Aufgaben des Hausmeisters sind sehr vielfältig.
   (The caretaker's tasks are very diverse.)
4. Können Sie bitte den Hausmeister rufen?
   (Could you please call the caretaker?)
5. Die Hausmeister treffen sich einmal pro Woche zur Besprechung.
   (The caretakers meet once a week for a meeting.)
6. Er sprach mit den Hausmeistern der umliegenden Schulen.
   (He spoke with the caretakers of the surrounding schools.)

🔧 When to use "Hausmeister"?

The term Hausmeister is commonly used in the following contexts:

• Residential buildings (Wohngebäude): In larger apartment buildings or housing complexes, he takes care of common areas and technical systems.
• Schools (Schulen): Here, der Hausmeister is often an important contact person for students and teachers, responsible for the building, yard, and often minor repairs in classrooms.
• Office buildings/Companies (Bürogebäude/Firmen): Responsible for the maintenance and functionality of the building.
• Public institutions (Öffentliche Einrichtungen): Also ensures order and maintenance here.

The term is widely used and generally understood in German-speaking countries. Sometimes it can be perceived as slightly derogatory, which is why more modern, neutral terms like Gebäudemanager, Objektbetreuer, or Facility Manager are gaining importance, especially in professional settings. However, in everyday life, "Hausmeister" is still common and usually meant neutrally.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Aid: Think of the man who is the master of the house, keeping everything in order. A man is masculine → der Hausmeister.

Meaning Aid: The word is composed of Haus (house) and Meister (master). Picture someone who is a 'master' at taking care of a 'house'.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Don't confuse with Hausherr (master of the house, often the owner who also lives there) or Haushälter/in (housekeeper, who manages the household within an apartment/house).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Hausmeister: "Können Sie auch Akten vernichten?"
Antwortet der Hausmeister: "Klar, kein Problem! Soll ich auch gleich Kopien davon machen?"

Translation:
The boss asks the new caretaker: "Can you also shred documents?"
The caretaker replies: "Sure, no problem! Should I make copies first?"

📜 A Caretaker Poem

Der Hausmeister, früh auf den Beinen,
sieht nach dem Rechten, bei den Großen und Kleinen.
Fegt den Hof und prüft das Licht,
dass nirgends etwas abbricht.
Ein Glühbirnenwechsel, ein tropfender Hahn,
er packt es an, der fleißige Mann.
Im Keller die Heizung, im Garten das Gras,
er hält alles in Schuss, mit Fleiß und mit Spaß.

Translation:
The caretaker, up early on his feet,
Checks everything's right, for the big and the petite.
Sweeps the yard and checks the light,
Ensuring nothing breaks, day or night.
A bulb change here, a dripping tap there,
He tackles it all, the diligent man, with care.
The heating below, the grass in the garden so vast,
He keeps it all running, having a blast.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich trage keinen Helm, doch bin oft im Keller.
Ich habe Schlüssel für viele Türen, bin meistens schneller
als der Schaden groß wird, wenn was leckt oder bricht.
Ich sorge für Ordnung und saubere Sicht.
In Schule, Büro oder Wohnhaus daheim –
wer sorgt dafür, dass alles läuft, fein?

Translation:
I wear no helmet, but I'm often in the cellar.
I have keys for many doors, I'm usually swifter
Than the damage gets big, when something leaks or breaks.
I ensure order and clear views, for goodness sakes.
In school, office, or apartment block home –
Who makes sure everything runs smoothly, not alone?

Solution: Der Hausmeister (The Caretaker/Janitor)

ℹ️ Interesting Facts about the 'Hausmeister'

Word Composition

The word "Hausmeister" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Haus: Meaning house or building.
• Meister: Meaning master, in the sense of someone who masters a subject or is in charge. Here, it signifies competence and responsibility for the building.

Cultural Aspects

In Germany, der Hausmeister is often a well-known figure in the microcosm of a residential building or school. Sometimes associated with clichés (like being overly regulatory, the 'Blockwart' stereotype), but mostly valued as an important service provider and contact person. The tasks and reputation have evolved over the years towards more professional building management (Facility Management).