capitalism
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capitalism
An economic and social system based on private ownership of the means of production and on the control of production and consumption through the market (supply and demand).
Im Kapitalismus spielt der Wettbewerb zwischen Unternehmen eine zentrale Rolle.
In capitalism, competition between companies plays a central role.
The word ends in '-ismus' (-ism). This ending is used in German for many political, social, or philosophical systems and ideas, for example 'Sozialismus' (socialism) or 'Feminismus' (feminism).
Der Künstler kritisierte in seinen Werken den Konsumismus.
In his works, the artist criticized consumerism.
The word stem is 'Kapital' (capital). 'Das Kapital' refers to money and other assets that are used for investments. Capitalism is therefore the system based on the use of capital.
Um eine Firma zu gründen, braucht man Startkapital.
To start a company, you need start-up capital.
In discussions, 'Kapitalismus' (capitalism) is often combined with certain phrases. Common ones are 'Kritik am Kapitalismus üben' (to criticize capitalism), 'die Folgen des Kapitalismus' (the consequences of capitalism), or 'der moderne/globale Kapitalismus' (modern/global capitalism).
Viele Bücher beschäftigen sich mit der Kritik am modernen Kapitalismus.
Many books deal with criticism of modern capitalism.
socialism
'Sozialismus' and 'Kapitalismus' are opposite terms for political and economic systems. In 'Sozialismus', collective ownership and fair distribution are more central. In 'Kapitalismus', private property and the market are especially important. Learners may confuse the words because both often appear in discussions about the economy, the state, and society. As a simple guide: 'Sozialismus' thinks more in terms of the community, while 'Kapitalismus' thinks more in terms of private ownership and the market.
Viele Firmen entscheiden im Kapitalismus selbst, welche Produkte sie verkaufen wollen.
In capitalism, many companies decide for themselves which products they want to sell.
Im Geschichtsunterricht sprachen wir über den Sozialismus in verschiedenen Ländern des 20. Jahrhunderts.
In history class, we talked about socialism in various countries of the 20th century.