freeloader / parasite
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freeloader
A person who lives at others' expense, taking advantage of their kindness or resources without contributing anything themselves.
Er wohnt seit Monaten mietfrei bei seinen Freunden – ein echter Schmarotzer.
He has been living rent-free with his friends for months — a real freeloader.
The noun 'der Schmarotzer' (freeloader/parasite) is derived from the verb 'schmarotzen' (to live at someone else's expense). This verb describes the action of living at others' expense.
Er hat jahrelang bei seinen Eltern geschmarotzt.
He lived off his parents for years.
When the word is used for a person, it is a strong insult. It expresses contempt for someone who is seen as lazy and exploitative.
Nenn mich nicht einen Schmarotzer, ich suche aktiv nach Arbeit!
Don't call me a freeloader; I'm actively looking for work!
In connection with people, 'Schmarotzer' (freeloader) is often linked with the phrase 'auf Kosten anderer leben' (to live at others' expense) or intensified with adjectives like 'faul' (lazy) or 'echt' (real).
Sie hat ihn als faulen Schmarotzer bezeichnet, weil er nie im Haushalt hilft.
She called him a lazy freeloader because he never helps around the house.
In biology, 'Schmarotzer' (parasite) is a neutral technical term. You can recognize this meaning from context when the topic is animals, plants, or a 'Wirt' (host).
Der Bandwurm ist ein Schmarotzer, der im Darm seines Wirtes lebt.
The tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the intestine of its host.
drone
'Drohne' and 'Schmarotzer' can both derogatorily refer to a person who contributes nothing or very little and lives off others. 'Drohne' tends to emphasize laziness and doing nothing. 'Schmarotzer' more strongly emphasizes taking advantage of other people, their money, or their help. Learners may confuse the words because both feel similar as insults. 'Schmarotzer' is clearer and more common in everyday language for this behavior. 'Drohne' can also mean a flying device or a male bee, so the context has to be clear.
Die Chefin nennt niemanden einen Schmarotzer, aber sie erwartet von allen einen Beitrag.
The boss does not call anyone a freeloader, but she expects everyone to contribute.
Er sagt, dass sein Bruder wie eine Drohne lebt und keine Arbeit sucht.
He says that his brother lives like a lazy drone and is not looking for work.