der Kunde
customer
A person or organization that buys goods or uses a service.
EXAMPLE
Ein zufriedener Kunde kommt gerne wieder.
A satisfied customer is happy to come back.
der Kunde
customer
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Meanings
Usage tips
Grammar trap: N-declension
'Der Kunde' is a masculine noun of the N-declension. This means it takes the ending '-n' in all cases except the nominative singular. A common mistake is forgetting this ending.
EXAMPLE
Der Verkäufer berät den Kunden.
The salesperson advises the customer.
Typical compounds
The word 'Kunde' is the basis for many important terms in business. Examples include der Kundenservice (customer service), die Kundennummer (customer number), der Kundenstamm (customer base), or die Kundenbetreuung (customer support).
EXAMPLE
Bei Problemen rufen Sie bitte unseren Kundenservice an.
If you have problems, please call our customer service.
Typical collocations
In everyday business, there are fixed combinations with 'Kunde.' You can win customers, advise customers, or serve customers. A customer can be loyal, new, or potential.
EXAMPLE
Unser Ziel ist es, neue Kunden zu gewinnen.
Our goal is to win new customers.
Compare with
Kunde vs Gast
guest
In a restaurant, der Kunde and der Gast can refer to the same person. Kunde focuses on the person as the buyer of a service, for example when paying or making a complaint. Gast, by contrast, emphasizes the person’s stay and the hospitable service they receive; from the restaurant’s perspective, this term is usually more appropriate.
Kunde
Als Kunde reklamiert Paul einen Fehler auf der Restaurantrechnung.
As a customer, Paul complains about an error on the restaurant bill.
Gast
Als Gast wird Paul im Restaurant freundlich an seinen Tisch begleitet.
As a guest, Paul is courteously shown to his table in the restaurant.
In real life
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