This is the 2517th most frequent German word.
töpfer
Potter (a person who makes pottery).
Here, 'Töpfer' is used as a noun representing the person ('potter') who performs pottery.
Der Töpfer formt einen neuen Krug.
The potter is shaping a new jug.
In this sentence, 'töpfern' is used as a verb describing the action of working with clay or creating pottery.
Im Keramikkurs töpfern die Teilnehmer Vasen und Schalen.
In the ceramics course, the participants are making vases and bowls out of clay.
Here, 'Töpfers' is the genitive singular form of 'Töpfer', indicating the profession or art of being a potter.