der  Kassier

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kaˈsiːɐ̯/

💰 What does 'der Kassier' mean?

The German noun der Kassier refers to a person responsible for managing money intake and expenses, either professionally or voluntarily. There are two main meanings:

• In a shop/supermarket: The person at the checkout (die Kasse) who scans items, calculates the price, and accepts payment. The form Kassierer/Kassiererin is also very common here.
• In a club/organization: The person responsible for the finances, often called Schatzmeister (treasurer). This person manages membership fees, keeps accounts of income and expenditure, and prepares financial reports.

The female form is die Kassiererin.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar at a Glance: Der Kassier

The noun 'Kassier' is masculine. Its declension is as follows:

Declension (Masculine)

Example Sentences

1. Der Kassier im Supermarkt war sehr freundlich.
   (The cashier in the supermarket was very friendly.)
2. Als Kassier des Vereins kümmert er sich um die Buchhaltung.
   (As the club's treasurer, he takes care of the bookkeeping.)
3. Bitte bezahlen Sie beim Kassier an Kasse 3.
   (Please pay the cashier at checkout 3.)
4. Wir haben den Kassier auf der Mitgliederversammlung entlastet.
   (We formally approved the treasurer's accounts at the general meeting.)
5. Die Kassiere des Discounters streiken für höhere Löhne.
   (The discounter's cashiers are striking for higher wages.)

🛒 When to use 'Kassier'?

'Kassier' is often used synonymously with 'Kassierer' when referring to the person at the shop checkout. However, 'Kassierer' might be the more frequent and modern form in this context, while 'Kassier' can sometimes sound a bit older or more regional, although still correct.

In the context of clubs, organizations, or parties, 'Kassier' (or Schatzmeister) is the standard term for the person managing the finances. 'Kassierer' is less commonly used here.

Context Examples:

• Retail: "Der Kassier hat mir zu viel Wechselgeld gegeben." (The cashier gave me too much change.) (Also: Der Kassierer...)
• Club/Association: "Unser Kassier berichtet über die finanzielle Lage des Clubs." (Our treasurer reports on the club's financial situation.) (Here less likely: Kassierer)

🚨 Caution: Although often interchangeable in retail, the choice between 'Kassier' and 'Kassierer' might sometimes reflect subtle nuances or regional preferences.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic

Imagine: DER big boss of the cash is DER Kassier. Men (masculine - der) are often associated with money and positions of power (like a boss or treasurer).

Meaning Mnemonic

A Kassier handles cash. The word sounds a bit like 'cash earner' or simply 'cashier' in English. The person who handles the cash is the Kassier.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Words that might cause confusion?

Sometimes 'Kassier' is confused with 'Kassierer', but they are often synonymous. The main distinction is context – 'Kassierer' is more frequent in retail, 'Kassier' is standard for club treasurers.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Kassier: "Na, wie war Ihr erster Tag?"
Sagt der Kassier stolz: "Super! Ich musste nur bis drei zählen!"
Chef: "Wieso nur bis drei?"
Kassier: "Naja, die Kunden sagten immer: 1, 2, 3... schönen Tag noch!"

Translation:
The boss asks the new cashier: "So, how was your first day?"
The cashier proudly says: "Great! I only had to count to three!"
Boss: "Why only to three?"
Cashier: "Well, the customers always said: 1, 2, 3... have a nice day!"

📜 Poem about the Kassier

Der Kassier, mit flinker Hand,
scannt die Ware, wohlbekannt.
Piep, piep, piep, es geht geschwind,
nimmt das Geld entgegen lind.

Im Verein, da zählt er Stücke,
Münzen, Scheine, zum Glücke.
Hält die Kasse stets in Ehren,
kann sich niemand drüber beschweren.

Translation:
The cashier, with a nimble hand,
Scans the goods, throughout the land.
Beep, beep, beep, it goes so fast,
Takes the money, meant to last.

In the club, he counts the pieces,
Coins and notes, joys increases.
Keeps the cash box held in esteem,
No one can complain, it would seem.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich sitze oft, doch reise nie,
nehme Geld, mal spät, mal früh.
Im Laden oder im Verein,
wer mag ich wohl sein?

Translation:
I often sit, but never travel,
I take money, on any level.
In the shop or club I play my part,
Who might I be, right from the start?

Solution: Der Kassier (The cashier/treasurer)

💡 More Facts

• Word Origin: The word 'Kassier' comes from the Italian 'cassiere', which in turn derives from 'cassa' (cash box, box).
• Feminine Form: The female equivalent is 'die Kassiererin'.
• Job Profile: The job of a Kassierer / Kassiererin in retail has changed with the advent of self-service checkouts (Selbstbedienungskassen), but remains important for customer service and control.
• Volunteering: In many German clubs (Vereine), the position of Kassier is held on a voluntary basis (ehrenamtlich) and is a significant position of trust.