der  Maurer

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmaʊʁɐ/

🧱 What does "der Maurer" mean?

Der Maurer refers to a male person whose profession is to build walls and structures using stones, bricks, or similar materials. In English, this translates to bricklayer or mason. It's a traditional craftsperson's job in the construction industry.

The feminine form is die Maurerin (female bricklayer/mason).

The term is directly derived from the German word die Mauer (the wall).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der Maurer"

The noun "Maurer" is masculine. The corresponding article is der.

Example Sentences

• Der Maurer mischt den Mörtel an. (The bricklayer mixes the mortar.)
• Wir haben den Maurer beauftragt, eine Gartenmauer zu errichten. (We hired the bricklayer to build a garden wall.)
• Das Werkzeug des Maurers liegt auf der Baustelle. (The bricklayer's tools are on the construction site.)
• Die Bauherren sprechen mit dem Maurer über den Fortschritt. (The clients talk to the bricklayer about the progress.)
• Auf der Baustelle arbeiten mehrere Maurer. (Several bricklayers work on the construction site.)

⚠️ Note: The feminine form is "die Maurerin" (plural: "die Maurerinnen").

🛠️ How "der Maurer" is used

The term "Maurer" is primarily used in the context of construction work and craftsmanship.

• Job title: "Er ist gelernter Maurer." (He is a trained bricklayer.)
• On the construction site: "Die Maurer beginnen heute mit dem Erdgeschoss." (The bricklayers start with the ground floor today.)
• In relation to materials: "Ein guter Maurer kennt sich mit Ziegeln, Beton und Mörtel aus." (A good mason knows about bricks, concrete, and mortar.)

The related verb is mauern (to build walls, to bricklay, to mason).

Figuratively, "mauern" can also mean to be uncommunicative or to stonewall ("Er mauert bei der Befragung." - He's stonewalling during the questioning), but this is not directly related to the profession of a Maurer.

🧠 Mnemonics for "der Maurer"

Article Mnemonic: Think of der strong Man who does the heavy Maurer work. Der Maurer.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Maurer builds a Mauer (wall). The similarity helps remember the activity.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Meister den Maurerlehrling: "Hast du die Fenster und Türen zugemauert, so wie ich es gesagt habe?"
Sagt der Lehrling: "Ja, Meister, nur die Löcher für die Türklinken und Schlüssellöcher habe ich noch freigelassen!"

Translation:
The master asks the apprentice bricklayer: "Did you brick up the windows and doors like I told you?"
The apprentice says: "Yes, master, I only left the holes for the door handles and keyholes open!"

📜 Poem about the Maurer

Stein auf Stein, mit ruhiger Hand,
baut der Maurer Wand für Wand.
Der Mörtel hält, die Fuge sitzt,
bis das ganze Haus hier blitzt.
Er schafft ein Heim, robust und fest,
ein Handwerk, das man nie vergesst'.

Translation:
Stone on stone, with a steady hand,
builds the mason wall by wall across the land.
The mortar holds, the joint sits tight,
until the whole house shines so bright.
He creates a home, robust and sound,
a craft that always will be found.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich trage Helm und feste Schuh,
bau' Mauern Stein auf Stein im Nu.
Mit Kelle, Lot und Mörtelbrei,
wer bin ich wohl, sag schnell herbei!

Translation:
I wear a helmet and sturdy shoes,
build walls stone on stone, no time to lose.
With trowel, plumb line, and mortar mix so gray,
who am I then, tell me right away!

Solution: Der Maurer (The bricklayer/mason)

💡 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Maurer" comes directly from Middle High German "mūrære", which in turn derives from "mūre" (Mauer / wall). The root lies in the Latin word "murus" (wall).

Feminine Form: The female equivalent is "die Maurerin". Example: "Sie ist die erste Maurerin in unserem Betrieb." (She is the first female bricklayer in our company.)

Apprenticeship: In Germany, Maurer is a recognized skilled trade requiring typically a three-year dual apprenticeship (combining school and on-the-job training).