01
der Verbraucher
consumer
A person who buys goods or uses services in order to satisfy their personal needs; a consumer.
example
Das neue Gesetz soll die Rechte der Verbraucher stärken.
The new law is intended to strengthen consumers' rights.
der Verbraucher
consumer
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word structure
'Der Verbraucher' (consumer) is derived directly from the verb 'verbrauchen' (to consume). The ending '-er' indicates the person or thing that performs the action. So a Verbraucher is someone or something that consumes something.
EXAMPLE
Ein sparsames Auto verbraucht wenig Benzin.
An economical car consumes little gasoline.
Context clue
You can easily recognize the meaning of 'Verbraucher' (consumer) from context. In connection with shopping, it refers to a person as a consumer (m01). In technology, it is about devices that use energy (m02). In biology, it refers to living organisms in a food chain (m03).
EXAMPLE
Dieses Produkt wurde von Verbrauchern gut bewertet.
This product was rated well by consumers.
Typical collocations
In economic and legal contexts, 'Verbraucher' (consumer) is often used in fixed terms such as 'Verbraucherschutz' (consumer protection) or 'Verbraucherzentrale' (consumer advice center). These are about the rights and protection of consumers.
EXAMPLE
Bei Problemen mit einem Produkt kann man sich an die Verbraucherzentrale wenden.
If you have problems with a product, you can contact the consumer advice center.
Compare with
Verbraucher vs Kunde
customer
'der Kunde' and 'der Verbraucher' can both refer to a person who buys goods or uses services. 'Kunde' fits well when talking about the direct relationship with a shop, a company, or a service provider. 'Verbraucher' sounds more general and is often used in texts about rights, prices, advertising, or the economy. The words can be confused because a consumer is often also a customer. The difference is the perspective: 'Kunde' emphasizes the specific business relationship, while 'Verbraucher' emphasizes the person as a buyer and user in everyday life or in the market.
Verbraucher
Bei hohen Preisen vergleichen viele Verbraucher die Angebote genauer.
When prices are high, many consumers compare offers more carefully.
Kunde
Erik ruft den Kunden an, weil noch eine Frage zur Bestellung offen ist.
Erik calls the customer because there is still a question about the order.
In real life
Loading video examples...