readership
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readership
The total group of people who regularly read a particular newspaper, magazine, book, or the works of an author.
Die Zeitung versucht, mit ihrem neuen Online-Angebot eine jüngere Leserschaft anzusprechen.
The newspaper is trying to appeal to a younger readership with its new online offering.
The word is formed from 'der Leser' (the reader) and the suffix '-schaft'. In German, the suffix '-schaft' denotes a community or total group, here meaning the total group of all readers.
Die Freundschaft zwischen Autor und Leserschaft ist etwas Besonderes.
The friendship between author and readership is something special.
'Leserschaft' (readership) is a collective noun. Although it refers to a group of many people, the word is used grammatically in the singular. So the verb is also singular.
Die Leserschaft ist mit der neuen Gestaltung der Zeitschrift zufrieden.
The readership is satisfied with the magazine's new design.
In the context of media and publishing houses, 'Leserschaft' (readership) is often combined with verbs such as 'ansprechen' (to appeal to), 'erreichen' (to reach), 'binden' (to retain), or 'verlieren' (to lose). Typical adjectives are 'breit' (broad), 'jung' (young), or 'treu' (loyal).
Der Verlag möchte eine breitere Leserschaft für seine Bücher gewinnen.
The publisher wants to gain a broader readership for its books.
audience
Both words can refer to people connected with a text or medium. Leserschaft specifically refers to the actual, usually regular readers of a particular text or medium. Publikum can be broader and can also refer to the target group being addressed.
Die Leserschaft der Zeitschrift liest jeden Monat die neuen Artikel.
The magazine's readership reads the new articles every month.
Mit dem neuen Roman möchte der Verlag ein junges Publikum erreichen.
With the new novel, the publisher hopes to reach a young audience.
