vegetarian
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vegetarian
Refers to a person who does not eat meat or fish for ethical, health-related, or other reasons. The word is a noun, but it is used predicatively like an adjective, e.g. in 'sie ist Vegetarier' (she is a vegetarian).
Mein Mitbewohner ist seit seiner Jugend überzeugter Vegetarier.
My roommate has been a committed vegetarian since his youth.
Although 'Vegetarier' (vegetarian) is a noun, it is used after the verb 'sein' (to be) like an adjective without an article to describe a person. For example, you say 'er ist Vegetarier' (he is a vegetarian).
Mein bester Freund ist seit zehn Jahren Vegetarier.
My best friend has been a vegetarian for ten years.
'Vegetarier' (vegetarian) describes the person. The related adjective for food is 'vegetarisch' (vegetarian), and the general lifestyle is called 'der Vegetarismus' (vegetarianism).
Als Vegetarier achtet er darauf, nur vegetarische Produkte zu kaufen.
As a vegetarian, he makes sure to buy only vegetarian products.
The word 'Vegetarier' (male vegetarian / vegetarian) refers to a male person or is used as a general term. When speaking specifically about a female person, you use the form 'Vegetarierin' (female vegetarian).
Mein Kollege Paul ist Vegetarier.
My colleague Paul is a vegetarian.
vegan
'der Veganer' and 'der Vegetarier' both refer to people who do not eat certain animal-based foods. The difference is important: a 'Vegetarier' does not eat meat or fish, but may eat milk, cheese, or eggs, for example. A 'Veganer' avoids all animal products in their diet, and often in other areas of life as well. The words are easily confused because both have to do with eating without meat. Memory aid: 'Vegetarier' means no meat; 'Veganer' means no animal products.
Tom ist Vegetarier, aber Käse und Eier isst er noch.
Tom is vegetarian, but he still eats cheese and eggs.
Paul ist Veganer und bestellt den Kaffee mit Hafermilch.
Paul is vegan and orders his coffee with oat milk.