patron
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patron
A wealthy person who supports art, culture, science, or sports out of private interest, with money or through their influence.
Dank eines großzügigen Mäzens konnte das Museum die wertvolle Skulptur erwerben.
Thanks to a generous patron, the museum was able to acquire the valuable sculpture.
'Der Mäzen' (patron) belongs to the N-declension. This means that the word gets an '-en' ending in all cases except the nominative singular. This is a common mistake among German learners.
Das Museum dankt dem Mäzen für seine Spende.
The museum thanks the patron for his donation.
The word 'Mäzen' (patron) is mainly used in formal or educated contexts, especially when it concerns art, culture, or science. In everyday colloquial language, it is rather rare.
Der Redner erwähnte den Mäzen in seiner Dankesrede.
The speaker mentioned the patron in his speech of thanks.
Common adjectives used with 'Mäzen' (patron) are 'großzügig' (generous), 'wohlhabend' (wealthy), or 'anonym' (anonymous). Typical verbs are 'fördern' (to sponsor/support) and 'unterstützen' (to support).
Ein anonymer Mäzen unterstützte den jungen Künstler finanziell.
An anonymous patron financially supported the young artist.
supporter
'der Unterstützer' and 'der Mäzen' can both refer to people who support or promote something. 'Unterstützer' is general and can mean any kind of help, including small acts of help or practical involvement. 'Mäzen' is more specific: it usually refers to a wealthy person who supports art, culture, science, or sports with money or influence. The word sounds rather elevated and does not fit every normal kind of help in everyday life. When financial support in culture or similar areas is the main focus, 'Mäzen' is more precise.
Ein reicher Mäzen finanzierte die Ausstellung im kleinen Museum.
A wealthy patron funded the exhibition in the small museum.
Vor dem Wochenende sprach die Gruppe mit mehreren Unterstützern über die nächste Aktion.
Before the weekend, the group spoke with several supporters about the next campaign.