giant
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giant
A person, company, or organization of exceptional size, power, or economic influence.
Der amerikanische Software-Gigant hat ein neues Produkt auf den Markt gebracht.
The American software giant has launched a new product.
“Gigant” (giant) is a weak masculine noun and belongs to the N-declension. This means it takes the ending “-en” in the accusative, dative, and genitive singular, as well as throughout the plural.
Die Presse feierte den Unternehmer als Giganten.
The press celebrated the entrepreneur as a giant.
The word “Gigant” (giant) belongs to the word family of “gigantisch” (gigantic). If you know that “gigantisch” means “riesengroß” (huge/enormous), you can easily derive the meaning of “Gigant” as “riesige Person” (huge person) or “riesiges Unternehmen” (huge company).
Der Bau des gigantischen Staudamms dauerte zehn Jahre.
The construction of the gigantic dam took ten years.
In an economic context, “Gigant” (giant) is often combined with an industry to specify the type of company. Common examples are “Software-Gigant” (software giant), “Industrie-Gigant” (industrial giant), or “Finanz-Gigant” (financial giant).
Der deutsche Automobil-Gigant hat ein neues Werk im Ausland eröffnet.
The German automotive giant has opened a new factory abroad.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about business or technology, a company is meant. If people are talking about a person’s height, it means a giant. In a historical context, it is usually about mythology.
Der Internet-Gigant kaufte mehrere kleine Firmen auf.
The internet giant bought up several small companies.
monster
'das Monster' and 'der Gigant' can both have to do with something very large. That is why they can be confused in some sentences. However, 'Monster' usually sounds negative or creepy: it can be a terrifying creature or, colloquially, something very large and difficult. 'Gigant' mainly emphasizes size, strength, or power and does not automatically sound evil. A very large person can be a 'Gigant', but not necessarily a 'Monster'. For companies or organizations, 'Gigant' often fits better when the focus is on size and influence.
Der neue Konzern ist ein Gigant auf dem europäischen Markt.
The new corporation is a giant in the European market.
Dieser alte Drucker ist ein echtes Monster und passt kaum auf den Tisch.
This old printer is a real monster and barely fits on the desk.