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.
parasite
In biology, a living organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and feeds off it, harming the host.
Die Mistel ist ein Schmarotzer, der auf Bäumen wächst und ihnen Nährstoffe entzieht.
Mistletoe is a parasite that grows on trees and takes nutrients from them.
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
Both words are derogatory terms for a person who lives at others’ expense. “Drohne” additionally emphasizes that the person is inactive and lazy, while “Schmarotzer” focuses more on taking advantage of other people’s kindness or resources. Depending on what you want to emphasize, one word may therefore fit better than the other.
Sein Freund war ein Schmarotzer, der ständig ihre Hilfsbereitschaft ausnutzte.
Her friend was a freeloader who constantly took advantage of her willingness to help.
Alle nannten ihn eine Drohne, weil er nichts arbeitete und von seiner Familie lebte.
Everyone called him a lazy person because he did not work and lived off his family.
