commercialism
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commercialism
The world of business and trade, especially when viewed negatively as purely profit-oriented and often at the expense of quality, art, or ideals.
Viele beklagen, dass Weihnachten immer mehr zum reinen Kommerz verkommt.
Many complain that Christmas is increasingly degenerating into pure commercialism.
The word 'Kommerz' (commercialism) is almost always used in German with a negative or critical meaning. It describes doing business in a way where ideals, art, or quality are subordinated to pure profit.
Kritiker werfen dem Filmfestival vor, nur noch auf den Kommerz zu achten.
Critics accuse the film festival of caring only about commercialism.
The negative meaning is reinforced by typical collocations. You often hear 'reiner Kommerz' (pure commercialism), 'dem Kommerz zum Opfer fallen' (to fall victim to commercialism), or that something 'zum Kommerz verkommt' (degenerates into commercialism).
Viele kleine Buchläden fallen dem kommerziellen Druck der großen Ketten zum Opfer.
Many small bookshops fall victim to the commercial pressure of the large chains.
The adjective 'kommerziell' (commercial) is derived from the noun 'der Kommerz' (commercialism). It means 'business-related' or 'profit-oriented' and, depending on the context, can be neutral or also critical.
Das Projekt war ein großer kommerzieller Erfolg.
The project was a major commercial success.
economy / pub
'die Wirtschaft' and 'der Kommerz' both have to do with business, trade, and making money. 'die Wirtschaft' is a neutral word for the whole economic system. 'der Kommerz' refers more to the business side and profit orientation, and it often sounds critical. You use 'Kommerz', for example, when art, sports, or a festival seem too focused on money and sales. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with the market and companies. For neutral reports about countries, companies, or jobs, 'Wirtschaft' is more natural. 'Kommerz' fits when you want to emphasize a strong focus on profit.
Viele Fans finden, dass bei dem Festival inzwischen zu viel Kommerz im Vordergrund steht.
Many fans feel that commercialism has now become too central at the festival.
Heute hat Hannah im Kurs über die deutsche Wirtschaft gesprochen.
Today Hannah talked about the German economy in class.