Konkurrenz

Konkurrenz is a German term meaning competition or rivalry. In economics, it denotes the rivalry among firms that offer similar goods or services in a market. Competitive pressure encourages firms to lower costs, improve quality, and innovate, and ideally leads to better prices and choices for consumers. Market outcomes depend on how intense the competition is and on structural factors such as barriers to entry and product differentiation.

Economists distinguish several levels of Konkurrenz. Vollständige Konkurrenz (perfect competition) implies many small, homogenous firms and no single buyer or seller can influence prices. Monopolistische Konkurrenz involves many firms selling differentiated products. Oligopolies feature a few dominant firms, while monopolies have a single producer. In reality markets lie along a spectrum, with competition shaped by information, barriers, network effects, and strategic behavior.

In law and policy, Konkurrenz underpins competition policy. Regulators aim to prevent cartels, price fixing, abuse of market power, and anti-competitive mergers. In German-speaking countries, competition law is anchored in the Gesetz gegen Wettbewerbsbeschränkungen (GWB) and EU rules, enforced by the Bundeskartellamt or the European Commission. The objective is to safeguard consumer welfare, promote dynamic efficiency, and ensure fair access to markets.

Konkurrenz is also strongly felt in digital and platform-based markets where network effects can alter competitive dynamics. Firms respond with differentiation, branding, and strategic partnerships, while authorities monitor mergers and restraints that could dampen rivalry.