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.
sponsor
Sponsor and Mäzen can both provide financial support for a cultural project. A Sponsor often expects advertising or another form of public exposure, whereas a Mäzen acts out of private interest. Sponsor is appropriate for commercially visible support; Mäzen is used for personal support without direct commercial compensation.
Der Mäzen unterstützt das Theater aus persönlicher Begeisterung für seine Arbeit.
The patron supports the theater out of personal enthusiasm for its work.
Der Sponsor unterstützt das Theater und darf dafür sein Firmenlogo auf die Plakate setzen.
The sponsor supports the theater and is allowed to put its company logo on the posters in return.
