noun
das Gewerbe, –
business
Eine Tätigkeit, mit der jemand regelmäßig Geld verdient, zum Beispiel ein Geschäft oder Handwerksbetrieb.
The German word Gewerbe is a noun meaning trade, business, or craft. It refers to an economic activity, typically a small or medium-sized commercial enterprise or occupation involved in the production or selling of goods and services.
- Root word: Weber (weaver) historically connects to crafts or trades, but this is older etymology;
- The modern usage refers generally to commercial or industrial activities.
Similar words:
- Handel (trade, commerce) — focuses more on buying/selling activities;
- Unternehmen (enterprise, company) — broader, can refer to any kind of business entity;
- Beruf (profession) — more about one's job or vocation;
- Industrie (industry) — usually refers to large-scale manufacturing.
Difference:
- Gewerbe emphasizes a small-to-medium business or craft-based commercial activity.
- Handel stresses the trading part.
- Unternehmen is a more general term for companies regardless of size or sector.
- Beruf focuses on personal profession rather than the business entity.
- Industrie refers specifically to large-scale industrial production.
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Examples
Ein Gewerbe anzumelden ist der erste Schritt zur Selbstständigkeit.noun
Registering a business is the first step to self-employment.
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