Germany's DIY culture is substantial. The Baumarkt (hardware/DIY store) is a genuinely impressive institution — vast, well-organised, and staffed by people who know their inventory. When something in your apartment needs fixing, you'll either visit one yourself or speak to a Handwerker (tradesperson) who will arrive, assess the situation, and provide a Kostenvoranschlag (estimate).
Both situations require a specific vocabulary. Here is what you need for both.
At the Baumarkt
Baumarkt: a DIY/hardware superstore. The major chains in Germany are OBI, Bauhaus, Hornbach, and Toom.
Baumaterial: building material.
Werkzeug: tools (general term).
Schraubenzieher / Schraubendreher: screwdriver.
Hammer: hammer (same in German).
Bohrmaschine: drill.
Bohrer: a drill bit.
Schraube: screw.
Nagel: nail.
Dübel: a wall plug / rawlplug.
Silikon: sealant / silicone.
Spachtelmasse: filler / spackle.
Farbe: paint.
Pinsel: paintbrush.
Rolle / Farbroller: paint roller.
Klebeband: adhesive tape.
Mörtel: mortar / grouting.
Fliesen: tiles.
Parkett: parquet / hardwood flooring.
Laminat: laminate flooring.
Rohr: pipe.
Armatur: a tap fitting.
Ventil: a valve.
Sicherung: a fuse.
Steckdose: a wall socket.
Lichtschalter: a light switch.
Kabel: cable / wire.
Wasserwaage: a spirit level.
Maßband: a measuring tape.
"Entschuldigung, wo finde ich [Artikel]?" — Excuse me, where can I find [item]?
"Ich suche Dübel für Betonwände." — I'm looking for rawlplugs for concrete walls.
"Welche Schraube passt zu diesem Dübel?" — Which screw fits this rawlplug?
Describing the Problem
These are useful whether you're describing a problem to a shop assistant or to a Handwerker:
Das Rohr leckt.: The pipe is leaking.
Der Wasserhahn tropft.: The tap is dripping.
Die Steckdose funktioniert nicht.: The socket isn't working.
Der Lichtschalter ist defekt.: The light switch is broken.
Die Sicherung ist herausgeflogen.: The fuse has tripped.
Es gibt einen Kurzschluss.: There's a short circuit.
Das Holz ist morsch / faul.: The wood is rotten.
Die Heizung funktioniert nicht.: The heating isn't working.
Es zieht / Es ist kalt von der Tür.: There's a draught / cold air from the door.
Das Schloss klemmt.: The lock is stiff / stuck.
Die Tür schließt nicht richtig.: The door doesn't close properly.
Der Boden knarrt.: The floor creaks.
Es schimmelt.: There's mould.
Dealing with a Handwerker
Handwerker: tradesperson / craftsperson. The general term.
Specific trades:
- Elektriker — electrician
- Klempner / Installateur — plumber
- Maler — painter
- Tischler / Schreiner — carpenter / joiner
- Fliesenleger — tiler
- Schlosser — locksmith
Kostenvoranschlag (KVA): a written estimate. Always request one before work begins. "Können Sie mir einen Kostenvoranschlag schicken?" — Can you send me an estimate?
Angebot: a quote / offer.
Stundensatz: hourly rate.
Pauschale: a flat fee.
Rechnung: invoice.
Gewährleistung / Garantie: warranty / guarantee on the work. Statutory Gewährleistung for craftsperson work is 2 years.
Mängel: defects in the completed work. "Es gibt noch Mängel, die behoben werden müssen." — There are still defects that need to be fixed.
Nachbesserung: rework / correction of defects.
Nebenkostenabrechnung: the annual service charge statement, which may include building maintenance costs. Relevant context: some repairs in rented apartments are deducted from the security deposit or affect the Nebenkostenabrechnung.
DIY and home maintenance vocabulary connects directly to your life as a renter in Germany. Knowing what to ask a Handwerker — and how to assess their estimate — saves money and avoids frustration.
Baumarkt vocabulary is everyday vocabulary in Germany. Vokabulo helps you build the words for the projects you're actually working on. Available on iPhone and iPad.
