Zimmerer

Zimmerer is a craftsman in the construction trades of German-speaking countries who specializes in timber construction. The work includes load-bearing timber structures for new buildings as well as the renovation, restoration, and repair of existing wooden buildings. Typical tasks cover roof timbering, timber framing, wall and floor systems, and the installation of prefabricated timber elements. The Zimmerer often coordinates with other trades such as architects, engineers, and roofers. The term also denotes the craft business (Zimmerei) that employs the workers.

To become a Zimmerer, one usually completes a dual-system apprenticeship lasting about three and a half years. Trainees learn carpentry, timber framing, structural details, site planning, safety, and the use of hand and power tools. After finishing, they earn the status of a Geselle and may pursue further qualifications, including the master craftsman examination (Zimmerei-Meister), which permits running a workshop and training apprentices. Similar training paths exist in Austria and Switzerland, following comparable structures and standards.

Typical duties include planning and assembling timber frames, roof trusses, and wall and floor systems; installing timber components; and supervising the use of prefabricated elements. Zimmerer work with both traditional methods, such as Fachwerk, and modern timber construction systems like Holzrahmenbau and cross-laminated timber (CLT). They use a range of tools from hand tools to heavy equipment and may rely on computer-aided design for planning and fabrication. The field emphasizes sustainability and energy efficiency, with growing use of wood as a renewable building material and carbon store.

Geographically, the profession is common in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with regional variations in terminology and regulation. The Zimmerer plays a central role in the expanding Holzbau sector and in the renovation of historic timber structures.