Hersteller

Hersteller is a German noun meaning the person or organization that makes goods for sale; in English, "manufacturer" or "producer." The term can refer to a brand owner, a production facility, or a craftsman that brings a product to market. In product labeling, "Hersteller" identifies the entity responsible for the design and production of the item.

Etymology and form: The word derives from the verb herstellen ("to produce, to manufacture") with the agent suffix -er. The feminine form is Herstellerin, used when the producer is female; otherwise the masculine form is used as a gender-neutral default in many contexts.

Role and responsibilities: A Hersteller may be involved in design, development, assembly, quality control, and post-sale obligations such as safety compliance and recalls. In many jurisdictions, manufacturers bear primary liability for defects under product liability regimes and are required to provide essential information and warnings.

Economic and legal context: The term contrasts with entities such as retailers, distributors, or contract manufacturers (Auftragsfertiger) who may assemble products under another's brand but are not always the legal Hersteller of the final product. Contract manufacturing arrangements can blur lines of responsibility and require clear contracts.

See also: Herstellung; Produzent; Herstellerfirma; Produkt.