exploitation
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exploitation
The unfair use of a person's labor or difficult situation for one's own advantage.
Die Ausbeutung von Arbeitern in manchen Ländern ist ein großes Problem.
The exploitation of workers in some countries is a major problem.
The word is derived from the verb 'ausbeuten' (to exploit). It contains 'aus' (out) and 'Beute' (prey/loot). The basic idea is to use something or someone like prey to the fullest for oneself.
Die Firma wurde wegen der Ausbeutung ihrer Mitarbeiter kritisiert.
The company was criticized for the exploitation of its employees.
'Ausbeutung' (exploitation) is never neutral. The word always has a strongly negative connotation and describes an unfair or harmful process.
Kinderarbeit ist eine schlimme Form der Ausbeutung.
Child labor is a terrible form of exploitation.
How can you recognize the meaning? If the word refers to people ('von Arbeitern' — of workers, 'von Kindern' — of children), it is about social injustice. If it refers to nature ('der Rohstoffe' — of raw materials, 'der Umwelt' — of the environment), it is about resources.
Die Ausbeutung von Praktikanten ist leider keine Seltenheit.
The exploitation of interns is unfortunately not uncommon.
To say what is being exploited, you usually use the preposition 'von' with the dative or the genitive.
Wir sprachen über die Ausbeutung von Bodenschätzen.
We talked about the exploitation of mineral resources.
support / extraction
'die Förderung' and 'die Ausbeutung' can both have to do with raw materials, for example coal, oil, or ore. In this area, 'Förderung' refers more neutrally to extracting or mining something from the earth. 'Ausbeutung' often sounds more critical: it is about intensive use of resources, sometimes with negative consequences for people or nature. The words can be confused because both can describe dealing with mineral resources. If you are speaking neutrally about extraction, 'Förderung' fits better. If you want to emphasize harsh or harmful use, 'Ausbeutung' is more appropriate.
Viele Menschen kritisieren die Ausbeutung der Wälder und Bodenschätze.
Many people criticize the exploitation of forests and mineral resources.
Die Förderung von Erdgas soll in der Region nächstes Jahr sinken.
Natural gas extraction in the region is expected to decrease next year.