Zimmermann vs. Tischler vs. Schreiner
The German words Zimmermann, Tischler, and Schreiner all translate to carpenter in English, but they refer to different branches of woodworking and different regional dialects. A Zimmermann handles heavy, structural construction. Meanwhile, both Tischler and Schreiner refer to craftsmen who perform fine woodworking and cabinetry, with the choice between the two words depending entirely on the region of the German-speaking world.
Zimmermann
B2A Zimmermann is a structural carpenter or framer who works on large-scale, heavy wooden constructions such as roof trusses, timber-framed houses, and outdoor wooden structures.
Der Zimmermann baut einen neuen Dachstuhl für das Haus.
(The carpenter is building a new roof truss for the house.)
Um die Holzbalken aufzustellen, wurde ein erfahrener Zimmermann beauftragt.
(An experienced carpenter was hired to erect the wooden beams.)
Mein Nachbar arbeitet als Zimmermann und repariert alte Fachwerkhäuser.
(My neighbor works as a carpenter and repairs old half-timbered houses.)
Ein guter Zimmermann braucht viel Kraft und Schwindelfreiheit.
(A good carpenter needs a lot of strength and an immunity to heights.)
Wir haben den Zimmermann gebeten, unsere Holzterrasse zu erweitern.
(We asked the carpenter to expand our wooden deck.)
Tischler
B2A Tischler is a joiner or cabinet maker who specializes in fine, detailed woodworking like custom furniture, doors, and windows, and this term is the standard word used in Northern Germany, Eastern Germany, and Austria.
Der Tischler hat einen maßgefertigten Esstisch für uns entworfen.
(The carpenter designed a custom-made dining table for us.)
Sie macht eine Ausbildung zur Tischlerin, um Möbel zu restaurieren.
(She is doing an apprenticeship as a carpenter in order to restore furniture.)
Der Tischler baut die neuen Fensterkästen in das alte Gebäude ein.
(The carpenter installs the new window frames into the old building.)
Für diese feine Holzarbeit müssen wir einen Tischler engagieren.
(We need to hire a carpenter for this fine woodwork.)
Der Tischler schleift das Holz, bis es vollkommen glatt ist.
(The carpenter sands the wood until it is perfectly smooth.)
Schreiner
B2A Schreiner performs the exact same fine woodworking, cabinetry, and furniture making as a Tischler, but this term is universally used instead in Southern Germany, Switzerland, and parts of Western Germany.
In Bayern nennt man den Möbelbauer traditionell einen Schreiner.
(In Bavaria, the furniture maker is traditionally called a carpenter.)
Der Schreiner fertigt einen wunderschönen Kleiderschrank aus Eichenholz an.
(The carpenter crafts a beautiful wardrobe out of oak wood.)
Mein Großvater war ein leidenschaftlicher Schreiner und liebte den Geruch von Sägespänen.
(My grandfather was a passionate carpenter and loved the smell of sawdust.)
Der Schreiner hat unsere Küchenschränke perfekt an den Raum angepasst.
(The carpenter perfectly adapted our kitchen cabinets to the room.)
Wenn die Holztür klemmt, solltest du einen Schreiner anrufen.
(If the wooden door is stuck, you should call a carpenter.)
Summary
In short, you need a Zimmermann to build the heavy wooden framework and roof of a house. For fine interior woodwork, custom furniture, and wooden windows, you would hire a Tischler if you live in the north or east, and you would call the exact same professional a Schreiner if you live in the south.