01
der Konsument
consumer
A person who buys goods or uses services in order to satisfy their needs; a consumer or end user.
example
Die Werbung richtet sich direkt an den Konsumenten.
The advertisement is aimed directly at the consumer.
der Konsument
consumer
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Konsument' (consumer) belongs to the word family of 'konsumieren' (to consume/use something up) and 'der Konsum' (consumption). A Konsument is therefore a person who consumes something.
EXAMPLE
Der hohe Konsum von Zucker ist für viele Konsumenten ein Problem.
The high consumption of sugar is a problem for many consumers.
Context clue
The most common meaning of 'Konsument' (consumer) refers to economics and trade. You can recognize the biological meaning from the context of animals, plants, and food chains.
EXAMPLE
Die Werbung versucht, das Verhalten der Konsumenten zu beeinflussen.
Advertising tries to influence consumers' behavior.
Register and style
The word 'Konsument' (consumer) is mainly used in formal contexts such as economics, law, or the news. It is a rather formal and technical term.
EXAMPLE
Neue Gesetze sollen die Rechte der Konsumenten stärken.
New laws are intended to strengthen consumers' rights.
Compare with
Konsument vs Kunde
customer
'der Kunde' and 'der Konsument' can both mean a person who uses goods or services. 'Kunde' sounds more personal and fits well in relation to a shop, a company, or a specific contact. For example, you talk about customers in a supermarket, at a bank, or at the hairdresser's. 'Konsument' is more general and sounds more factual. It fits better when talking about consumption, the market, or media. The words can be confused because both can buy or use things. In everyday language, 'Kunde' is usually more natural; 'Konsument' fits better in reports, discussions, or economic topics.
Konsument
Viele Konsumenten vergleichen die Preise im Internet, bevor sie etwas kaufen.
Many consumers compare prices online before they buy something.
Kunde
Die Mitarbeiterin ruft den Kunden an, weil seine Bestellung angekommen ist.
The employee calls the customer because his order has arrived.
In real life
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