der Konsum
consumption
The consumption or use of goods and services by end consumers.
EXAMPLE
Ein bewusster Konsum kann helfen, die Umwelt zu schützen.
Conscious consumption can help protect the environment.
der Konsum
consumption / consumer store
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Meanings
der Konsum
consumption
The intake of food, stimulants, or drugs.
EXAMPLE
Ärzte warnen vor dem übermäßigen Konsum von Alkohol.
Doctors warn against excessive consumption of alcohol.
der Konsum
consumer store
A historical term, especially in East Germany, for a consumer cooperative and its supermarkets.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großmutter ging früher immer im Konsum um die Ecke einkaufen.
My grandmother used to always go shopping at the consumer store around the corner.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Konsum' (consumption) belongs to a word family. The related verb is 'konsumieren' (to consume), and the person who consumes something is 'der Konsument' or 'die Konsumentin' (the consumer).
EXAMPLE
Viele Menschen versuchen, bewusster zu konsumieren.
Many people are trying to consume more consciously.
Productive compounds
'Konsum' (consumption) is a very productive base word for compound nouns. The first word describes what is being consumed, for example: Alkoholkonsum (alcohol consumption), Drogenkonsum (drug use), Fleischkonsum (meat consumption), Medienkonsum (media consumption).
EXAMPLE
Der hohe Medienkonsum von Kindern ist oft ein Diskussionsthema.
Children's high media consumption is often a topic of discussion.
Context clue
The exact meaning becomes clear from the context. If it is about the economy, shopping, or society, it refers to the consumption of goods. If it is about health, nutrition, or addiction, it refers to the intake of substances.
EXAMPLE
Der private Konsum ist eine wichtige Stütze der Wirtschaft.
Private consumption is an important pillar of the economy.
Typical verbs
In connection with the consumption of goods, 'Konsum' is often used with verbs such as 'einschränken' (to limit), 'reduzieren' (to reduce), 'steigern' (to increase), or 'ankurbeln' (to stimulate/boost).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung versucht, mit Maßnahmen den Konsum anzukurbeln.
The government is trying to boost consumption with measures.
Cultural context
This meaning is historical and regional. 'Konsum' was the name of a supermarket chain in East Germany. Especially in eastern Germany, older people sometimes still use the term for a supermarket.
EXAMPLE
Oma geht schnell noch in den Konsum, um Milch zu holen.
Grandma is quickly going to the consumer store to get milk.
Compare with
Konsum vs Aufnahme
recording / admission / uptake
When talking about food, stimulants, or drugs, both words can refer to taking something into the body. Aufnahme focuses more on the physical process or the amount, while Konsum focuses more on the person's behavior. Use Aufnahme for health-related information and Konsum when describing a behavior.
Konsum
Sein Konsum von Süßigkeiten stieg während der Prüfung deutlich an.
His consumption of sweets increased significantly during the exam period.
Aufnahme
Die Aufnahme von Zucker sollte bei dieser Diät gering bleiben.
The amount of sugar consumed should remain low on this diet.
In real life
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