der Kaufmann, Kaufleute

The German word "Kaufmann" is a noun meaning "merchant" or "businessman". It is made up of two parts:

• "kauf" – from the verb kaufen meaning "to buy"
• "Mann" – meaning "man"

So literally, "Kaufmann" translates to "buying/managing man."

Similar words include:

• "Händler" (trader, dealer)
• "Geschäftsmann" (businessman)
• "Kaufleute" (plural noun for merchants or businesspeople)

Difference:

• Kaufmann specifically refers to a person engaged in commercial trade, often with formal recognition or in a professional sense.
• Händler emphasizes trading goods and is sometimes more informal.
• Geschäftsmann is broader, covering any businessman, not necessarily focused solely on buying/selling.