user
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user
A person who uses a service, device, software, or system. Especially common in the context of computers and the internet.
Jeder Benutzer muss ein persönliches Passwort für den Zugang zum System festlegen.
Each user must set a personal password for access to the system.
'Der Benutzer' (the user) is derived from the verb 'benutzen' (to use). The ending '-er' marks the person who uses something. The verb 'benutzen' itself is related to 'nutzen' (to use / benefit).
Bitte benutzen Sie den Seiteneingang.
Please use the side entrance.
The word belongs to a family with the verb 'benutzen' (to use) and the noun 'die Benutzung' (use). All of these words refer to the act of using.
Die Benutzung des Fitnessraums ist für Hotelgäste kostenlos.
Use of the fitness room is free for hotel guests.
In digital contexts, 'Benutzer' (user) is very common. It forms many compound words such as 'Benutzername' (username), 'Benutzerkonto' (user account), 'Benutzerprofil' (user profile), or 'Benutzeroberfläche' (user interface).
Haben Sie Ihren Benutzernamen oder Ihr Passwort vergessen?
Have you forgotten your username or password?
To specify what someone is the user of, German often uses the preposition 'von' followed by the dative.
Die Benutzer von öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln müssen eine Fahrkarte haben.
Users of public transport must have a ticket.
customer
'der Kunde' and 'der Benutzer' can both refer to a person who is involved with an offer or a system. The important difference is: a Kunde buys something or pays for a service. A Benutzer uses something, for example an app, a device, a website, or a public facility. Sometimes the same person is both, for example if someone pays for software and also uses it. The words are especially easy to confuse on the internet or with apps. When it is about paying or buying, 'Kunde' fits. When it is about using something, 'Benutzer' fits.
Jeder Benutzer muss vor dem Start der App ein Passwort eingeben.
Each user must enter a password before starting the app.
Der Kunde fragt im Geschäft nach einer kleineren Größe.
The customer asks in the store for a smaller size.