die Zunft
Translation
guild, corporation (historical), craft
Examples
Im Mittelalter waren die Zünfte sehr mächtig.
In the Middle Ages, the guilds were very powerful.
Er gehört zur Zunft der Bäcker.
He belongs to the bakers' guild.
Grammar Patterns
the guild ((of sth.)) The guild of the blacksmiths was very influential.
Similar Words
Gilde (guild), Innung (craft guild), Verband (association)
Etymology
From Old High German 'zumft', related to 'ziemen' (to be fitting, proper). A group of people who 'fit' together by profession.
Memory Tips
The word 'Zunft' sounds a bit like 'summit'. Imagine a summit meeting of all the master craftsmen of a particular trade.