der  Kaufmann

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkaʊ̯fman/

🧑‍💼 What exactly is a Kaufmann?

The German word der Kaufmann (plural: Kaufleute or less commonly Kaufmänner) refers to a male person who professionally engages in trade or runs a commercial business (Handelsgewerbe). This can be as a self-employed person or an employee.

The term covers a wide range of activities in the commercial sector (im kaufmännischen Bereich), from a retailer (Einzelhändler) to a wholesale merchant (Großkaufmann) or industrial clerk (Industriekaufmann).

Historically, the Kaufmann played a central role in the development of cities and trade. The feminine form is die Kauffrau (plural: Kauffrauen).

The most common plural form is Kaufleute, which is gender-neutral and refers to a group of businessmen and/or businesswomen. The plural Kaufmänner is used less frequently and refers explicitly only to male merchants.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar: Declension of Kaufmann

The noun 'Kaufmann' is masculine, used with the article 'der'. It generally follows the weak declension (n-declension) pattern in the genitive, dative, and accusative singular cases. It has two possible plural forms: 'Kaufleute' (more common, mixed-gender) and 'Kaufmänner' (less common, male-only).

Example Sentences

• Der Kaufmann eröffnete ein neues Geschäft in der Innenstadt. (The merchant opened a new shop downtown.)
• Die Unterschrift des Kaufmanns war auf dem Vertrag erforderlich. (The merchant's signature was required on the contract.)
• Wir dankten dem Kaufmann für das faire Angebot. (We thanked the merchant for the fair offer.)
• Viele Kaufleute trafen sich auf der Messe. (Many merchants / business people met at the trade fair.)
• Die Gilde bestand aus erfahrenen Kaufmännern. (The guild consisted of experienced merchants (male).)

💡 Usage in Context

The term 'Kaufmann' is frequently used in professional and business contexts (im beruflichen und wirtschaftlichen Kontext). It can refer to a specific job title (e.g., Bankkaufmann - bank clerk, Industriekaufmann - industrial clerk, Kaufmann für Büromanagement - office management assistant) or more generally denote a businessman or trader.

• Job Title: After completing a commercial apprenticeship (kaufmännische Ausbildung), one often has 'Kaufmann' in their official title.
• General Use: People speak of 'ehrbare Kaufleute' (honorable merchants) in the context of business ethics.
• Plural 'Kaufleute': This is the standard and often preferred plural form as it is more inclusive than 'Kaufmänner'. It's used for mixed groups or when gender is irrelevant.
• Distinctions: An 'Unternehmer' (entrepreneur) founds and runs a company, which often, but not always, involves commercial activities. A 'Händler' (trader, dealer) specifically buys and sells goods, which is a specific type of Kaufmann.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article: Remember: It's der Mann (the man) who does the 'kaufen' (buying). The masculine 'Mann' links to the masculine article 'der' → der Kaufmann.

Meaning: Break down the word: A 'Mann' (man) who 'kauft' (buys, and sells) → Kaufmann. He deals with goods or services.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Note: While 'Geschäftsmann' is often used synonymously, 'Kaufmann' can also be a formal job title obtained after an apprenticeship.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt ein Kunde den Kaufmann: "Ist dieser Anzug wirklich aus reiner Schurwolle?"
Antwortet der Kaufmann: "Aber sicher! Das Schaf hat beim Scheren sogar gefroren!"

Translation:
A customer asks the merchant: "Is this suit really made of pure new wool?"
The merchant replies: "Absolutely! The sheep was even shivering during shearing!"

📜 Poem about the Kaufmann

Der Kaufmann rechnet, Tag und Nacht,
\Hat Plan und Ziel stets gut bedacht.
\Er kauft und verkauft, mit Geschick,
\Sucht Handelns Glück, Stück für Stück.
\Ob Stoffe, Korn, ob Wein, ob Salz,
\Sein Streben kennt kein langes Halt's.
\Ein kluger Kopf, 'ne sich're Hand,
\So schafft der Kaufmann Wert im Land.

Translation:
The merchant calculates, day and night,
Has plan and goal always well thought.
He buys and sells, with skill,
Seeks fortune in trade, bit by bit.
Whether fabrics, grain, wine, or salt,
His striving knows no long halt.
A clever mind, a steady hand,
Thus the merchant creates value in the land.

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich habe oft ein Kontor oder Laden,
Kalkuliere Preise, ohne zu schaden.
Ich kenne Angebot und Nachfrage gut,
Trage zum Handel bei mit frischem Mut.
Mein Titel ist männlich, doch 'Leute' im Plural sind's meist,
Wer bin ich, der Waren durchs Land verreist?

Translation:
I often have an office or a shop,
Calculate prices, without causing harm.
I know supply and demand well,
Contribute to trade with fresh courage.
My title is masculine, but 'people' (Leute) is the usual plural,
Who am I, traveling the country with goods?

Solution: Der Kaufmann (The merchant)

🧩 Other Interesting Details

• Word Composition: The word 'Kaufmann' is composed of the verb 'kaufen' (to buy) and the noun 'Mann' (man).
• Historical Significance: Merchants (Kaufleute) were often very influential citizens in the Middle Ages and Early Modern period (e.g., the Hanseatic League - die Hanse).
• Related Terms:
  • kaufmännisch: Adjective, meaning commercial or mercantile (e.g., kaufmännische Ausbildung - commercial training).
  • Kauffrau: Feminine form (businesswoman, female merchant).
  • Kaufleute: Common plural, gender-neutral (merchants, business people).
  • Kaufhaus: Department store.
  • Kaufkraft: Purchasing power.