A person who has studied economics and works professionally with economic relationships; a macroeconomist or business economist.
example
Führende Ökonomen warnen vor einer steigenden Inflation.
Leading economists are warning of rising inflation.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Ökonom' (the economist) belongs to the word family of 'die Ökonomie' (economics, economy) and the adjective 'ökonomisch' (economic). All of these words relate to the topic of the economy.
EXAMPLE
Er studiert Ökonomie im vierten Semester.
He is studying economics in his fourth semester.
Typical collocations
This word is often combined with verbs of analyzing and saying. Typical formulations are 'Ökonomen warnen vor etwas' (economists warn of something), 'Ökonomen erwarten' (economists expect), or 'Ökonomen analysieren die Lage' (economists analyze the situation).
EXAMPLE
Die Ökonomen des Instituts erwarten ein baldiges Wirtschaftswachstum.
The institute's economists expect economic growth soon.
Register and style
'Ökonom' (economist) is the formal and technical term for an economic expert. The word is often found in news reports, specialist articles, and academic discussions.
EXAMPLE
Ein bekannter Ökonom wurde als Berater für die Regierung engagiert.
A well-known economist was hired as an advisor to the government.
Compare with
near_synonym · confusable
Ökonom vs Betriebswirt
business administrator
'Ökonom' and 'Betriebswirt' both refer to people who work professionally with business or economics. 'Ökonom' is the more general term and can mean people who deal with economic relationships, economics, or business administration. 'Betriebswirt' is more specific: this person has studied business administration (BWL) and often works in companies, for example in commercial or management roles. The words can be confused because a 'Betriebswirt' can also be an 'Ökonom'. When you are talking generally about the economy or economics, 'Ökonom' fits. When you are talking specifically about business administration and work in a company, 'Betriebswirt' is more precise.
Ökonom
Der Ökonom erklärt im Interview, warum die Preise steigen.
In the interview, the economist explains why prices are rising.
Betriebswirt
Adam hat als Betriebswirt in einer großen Firma gearbeitet.
Adam worked as a business administrator in a large company.