Zeichner

Zeichner is a German-language term with two common uses. As a noun, it means draftsman or draughtsman, referring to a professional who prepares technical drawings. It is also a surname in German-speaking areas. The feminine form is Zeichnerin, and the term derives from zeichnen, “to draw.”

In the professional sense, a Zeichner creates plans and drawings used in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. Typical tasks include interpreting specifications, producing accurate 2D drawings and 3D models, detailing components and assembly methods, and ensuring drawings conform to applicable standards and tolerances. The work often requires familiarity with engineering drawing conventions, materials, and manufacturing processes, as well as proficiency with computer-aided design (CAD) software. In many countries, the occupation is formally titled Technischer Zeichner, sometimes with further specialization in fields such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or architecture. In Switzerland, a related vocational track is Zeichner EFZ, an recognized apprenticeship designation.

As a surname, Zeichner appears in German-speaking regions and among diaspora communities. It originated as an occupational name for someone who drew or drafted professionally, and over time became a family name carried by individuals in various professions. The surname does not denote a single notable lineage or figure and is treated as a general identifier rather than a description of current occupation. Overall, Zeichner denotes both a historical occupation linked to precise visual work and a common German surname with regional usage.