to manage / make a mess
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to manage resources
To manage and use the economic resources of a household, company, or national economy in a planned and economical way.
Seit sie arbeitslos ist, muss sie mit ihrem Geld sehr sparsam wirtschaften.
Since she has been unemployed, she has to manage her money very frugally.
The verb 'wirtschaften' is closely related to the noun 'die Wirtschaft' (economy, pub/restaurant) and the profession 'der Wirt' (host, innkeeper). It describes the activity carried out in a 'Wirtschaft' or by a 'Wirt': managing resources or running a restaurant.
Ein gutes Unternehmen muss nachhaltig wirtschaften.
A good company must operate sustainably.
You can recognize the meaning of 'wirtschaften' from the context. If it is about money, a budget, or a company, economic management is meant. If disorder in a room such as the kitchen is being discussed, it means 'Chaos machen' (to make a mess).
Die Familie muss lernen, mit weniger Geld zu wirtschaften.
The family has to learn to manage with less money.
In the economic meaning, 'wirtschaften' is often combined with adverbs that describe the type of management. Typical combinations are 'gut wirtschaften' (to manage well), 'schlecht wirtschaften' (to manage poorly), or 'sparsam wirtschaften' (to manage frugally).
Er hat gut gewirtschaftet und konnte das Unternehmen retten.
He managed things well and was able to save the company.
The meaning 'Unordnung machen' (to make a mess) is colloquial and has a slightly negative or reproachful undertone. It is often used when complaining about chaos.
Schau dir das Chaos an! Wer hat hier so gewirtschaftet?
Look at this chaos! Who made such a mess here?
to save
'sparen' and 'wirtschaften' both have to do with handling money or other resources. 'sparen' is more specific: you spend less or use less so that something is left over. 'wirtschaften' is broader and means planning and managing money, supplies, or other resources, for example in a household or company. The words can be confused because managing resources well often also includes saving. But 'wirtschaften' describes the whole organization and management, while 'sparen' only refers to setting something aside or reducing use.
Die Familie hat im letzten Jahr vorsichtig gewirtschaftet und keine Schulden gemacht.
The family managed their money carefully last year and did not go into debt.
Vor dem Wochenende spart der Gast sein Geld und bestellt nur eine Suppe.
Before the weekend, the guest saves his money and orders only a soup.