A disadvantage or an argument against something. The term is the counterpart to 'Pro' (pro) and is usually used in the plural ('die Pros und Cons' — the pros and cons).
example
Der einzige wirkliche Cons an dem Plan ist das hohe finanzielle Risiko.
The only real con of the plan is the high financial risk.
Usage tips
Typical collocation
This word is almost always used as part of the fixed expression 'die Pros und Cons' (the pros and cons). This expression is used to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of something.
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten die Pros und Cons dieser Entscheidung sorgfältig abwägen.
We should carefully weigh the pros and cons of this decision.
Register and style
The expression 'Pros und Cons' is an Anglicism that is common in modern colloquial and business language. It sounds dynamic and is often used in discussions or planning.
EXAMPLE
Was sind die Pros und Cons, wenn wir das Projekt jetzt starten?
What are the pros and cons if we start the project now?
Use in the plural
Although the singular 'der Cons' exists, the plural form 'die Cons' is far more common. In practice, you will almost exclusively encounter the plural.
EXAMPLE
Ich sehe bei dieser Idee mehr Cons als Pros.
I see more cons than pros in this idea.
Compare with
antonym
Cons vs Vorteil
advantage
'der Vorteil' and 'der Cons' both belong to weighing good and bad sides. An advantage is a plus point or a reason in favor of something. 'Cons' means disadvantages or arguments against something and is usually used in the plural, for example in 'Pros und Cons' (pros and cons). In everyday German, 'Vorteil' sounds very natural. 'Cons' is more suitable in casual conversations, presentations, or lists when collecting pro and con points.
Cons
Im Team sammeln wir zuerst die Pros und Cons der neuen Software.
In the team, we first collect the pros and cons of the new software.
Vorteil
Zum besseren Vergleich schreibt Tom jeden Vorteil des Angebots auf.
For a better comparison, Tom writes down every advantage of the offer.