capitalist
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capitalist
Based on capitalism or displaying its characteristics. Refers to an economic and social system characterized by private ownership of the means of production and control through the market.
Die USA haben eine ausgeprägt kapitalistische Wirtschaftsordnung.
The USA has a distinctly capitalist economic system.
capitalist
Often used pejoratively to describe an attitude or action that is excessively focused on gain, profit, and material possessions.
Seine Entscheidung, das kleine Theater zu schließen und stattdessen Luxuswohnungen zu bauen, wurde als rein kapitalistisch kritisiert.
His decision to close the small theater and build luxury apartments instead was criticized as purely capitalist.
The adjective 'kapitalistisch' (capitalist) is derived from the noun 'der Kapitalismus' (capitalism). The ending '-istisch' is often used to form adjectives that refer to a worldview, system, or ideology.
Er analysiert die sozialistische und die kapitalistische Wirtschaftsform.
He analyzes the socialist and the capitalist economic model.
In its neutral, descriptive meaning, 'kapitalistisch' (capitalist) is often combined with nouns that refer to a system or structure. Common combinations are 'ein kapitalistisches System' (a capitalist system), 'eine kapitalistische Gesellschaft' (a capitalist society), or 'eine kapitalistische Wirtschaftsordnung' (a capitalist economic order/system).
Viele westliche Länder haben eine kapitalistische Gesellschaftsordnung.
Many Western countries have a capitalist social order.
You can tell from the context whether the word is meant neutrally or pejoratively. If it refers to a specific action or a personal trait that is perceived as greedy or ruthless, it is usually meant negatively.
Sein Verhalten wurde von den Mitarbeitern als rein kapitalistisch und unsozial kritisiert.
His behavior was criticized by the employees as purely capitalist and antisocial.
commercial
Both words can be used to criticize a profit-oriented attitude or action. Kommerziell generally emphasizes that something is geared toward business and sales, whereas kapitalistisch expresses stronger criticism of excessive striving for profit and ownership. For a simple business purpose, kommerziell is the right choice; for this kind of social criticism, kapitalistisch is more appropriate.
Die Kritiker nennen die Entscheidung kapitalistisch, weil nur der mögliche Profit zählt.
The critics call the decision capitalist because only the potential profit matters.
Der Sender produziert die Show kommerziell und finanziert sie durch Werbung.
The broadcaster produces the show commercially and finances it through advertising.
