der  Krämer

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʁɛːmɐ/

🛍️ What does "der Krämer" mean?

The term der Krämer traditionally refers to a trader or merchant who sells goods on a small scale, often in a small shop (a Kramladen). It roughly corresponds to the English shopkeeper or grocer.

Nowadays, the term is used less frequently and can sometimes have a slightly old-fashioned or even pejorative connotation (see Usage section). It typically refers to the owner of a small retail store, especially for groceries or general goods.

⚠️ The term is almost exclusively used for male persons. The female form would be die Krämerin, but it is very uncommon.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Krämer" in Detail

"Der Krämer" is a masculine noun belonging to the weak declension (N-Deklination). This means it takes an "-n" ending in all cases except the nominative singular.

Declension Singular

Note: The genitive singular is usually formed with "-s", although the n-declension technically requires "-n". "Des Krämern" is very rare.

Declension Plural

Example Sentences

• Der alte Krämer kannte jeden im Dorf.
  (The old shopkeeper knew everyone in the village.)
• Ich habe dem Krämern geholfen, die Kisten zu tragen.
  (I helped the shopkeeper carry the boxes.)
• Wir gehen zum Krämer um die Ecke, um Milch zu kaufen.
  (We're going to the grocer around the corner to buy milk.)
• Die Kunden schätzten die Freundlichkeit des Krämers.
  (The customers appreciated the shopkeeper's friendliness.)
• Siehst du den Krämern dort drüben?
  (Do you see the shopkeeper over there?)

🗣️ How is "der Krämer" used?

The usage of "der Krämer" has changed over time:

• Traditionally: Neutrally referred to the operator of a small shop (Kramladen), often for groceries or everyday goods.
• Modern: Used less frequently. Instead, people tend to say Ladenbesitzer (shop owner), Einzelhändler (retailer), or more specifically (Lebensmittelhändler - grocer, Gemüsehändler - greengrocer).
• Connotation: Can seem slightly old-fashioned today. Sometimes it's used slightly pejoratively to imply narrow-mindedness or excessive focus on business (e.g., in the expression "Krämerseele" = petty, small-minded, only concerned with one's own advantage).
• Context: You might still encounter the term in historical contexts, in literature, or when deliberately describing a traditional, small shop.

Compared to Kaufmann (more general, often larger trader, also in wholesale) or Händler (very general term for trader), der Krämer specifically denotes the small-scale retailer.

🧠 Mnemonics for "Krämer"

Remembering the Article: Think of der as in 'the man'. The der Krämer is typically a man running a shop.

Remembering the Meaning: A Krämer sells 'Kram' (stuff, goods). Imagine him trying to cram lots of goods into his small shop. Krämer sells Kram.

Remembering the N-Declension: Picture the Krämer having boxes marked 'N' (for 'new stock' or Nachschub) everywhere except in the Nominative Singular (where he stands himself) and Genitive Singular (where he owns the shop with an 'S' for 'his' - sein). He needs the 'N' in most other cases.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Risk of Confusion:

• Kramer (Surname): A common German surname, derived from the profession.

😂 A Little Krämer Joke

Ein Kunde fragt den Krämer: "Haben Sie Mottenkugeln?"
(A customer asks the shopkeeper: "Do you have mothballs?")

Krämer: "Ja, sicher."
(Shopkeeper: "Yes, certainly.")

Kunde: "Gut, dann werfen Sie mal. Wenn Sie die Motte da an der Decke treffen, kaufe ich hundert Stück!"
(Customer: "Good, then have a throw. If you hit that moth on the ceiling, I'll buy a hundred!")

📜 Poem about the Krämer

Im kleinen Laden, alt und schmal,
(In the small shop, old and narrow,)
Stand einst der Krämer, Tag für Tag im Saal.
(Once stood the shopkeeper, day by day in the room.)
Mit Mehl und Zucker, Knopf und Band,
(With flour and sugar, button and ribbon,)
Versorgte er das ganze Land.
(He supplied the whole land.)
Er wog die Ware, Gramm für Gramm,
(He weighed the goods, gram by gram,)
Ein jeder kannte seinen Nam'.
(Everyone knew his name.)
Der Krämer, fleißig, stets bereit,
(The shopkeeper, diligent, always ready,)
Ein Bild aus längst vergang'ner Zeit.
(A picture from a time long past.)

❓ Krämer Riddle

Ich hab' 'nen Laden, klein und fein,
(I have a shop, small and fine,)
Verkaufe „Kram“, von groß bis klein.
(Sell "Kram" [stuff], from large to small.)
Man braucht für mich ein „N“ fast immer,
(You need an "N" for me almost always,)
Außer im ersten Fall, dem Schlimmer.
(Except in the first case, the worse one [pun, Nominative is 'schlimmer'=worse than others needing 'N'])
Manchmal heiß' ich „Händler“, doch mein Name klingt älter.
(Sometimes I'm called "Händler", but my name sounds older.)

Wer bin ich?
(Who am I?)

Solution: der Krämer

💡 More about the Krämer

Word Origin (Etymology)

The word "Krämer" derives from the Middle High German word krām, which meant something like "tent cover", "market stall", or later also "merchandise". So, a Krämer was originally someone who offered his goods in a stall or tent (a Kram).

Krämerseele

As mentioned earlier, the expression "eine Krämerseele haben" (to have a shopkeeper's soul) exists. This describes a person considered petty, stingy, or excessively focused on their own material advantage. It's a negative characterization.

Historical Significance

For centuries, Krämer were important suppliers for the population, especially in villages and small towns, before large supermarkets emerged.