Konsumieren

Konsumieren is a German verb meaning to consume or to ingest, and more broadly to use up or spend resources, services, or media. In everyday language it is often used for eating or drinking, but it can also refer to consuming media, information, or consumer goods. The noun associated with it is Konsum, which denotes consumption as an activity or as consumer spending in economic contexts.

Etymology and usage. Konsumieren is formed from the noun Konsum with the -ieren suffix, and ultimately traces back to Latin consumere (to use up). The word appeared in German in the 19th century and has since become common in various registers, from colloquial speech to technical writing. It is usually preferred when the act of consuming is highlighted as an activity, whereas other verbs such as verzehren (for eating) or verwenden (to use) may be more precise in specific contexts.

Conjugation and grammar. Konsumieren is a regular weak verb. Present tense forms: ich konsumiere, du konsumierst, er konsumiert, wir konsumieren, ihr konsumiert, sie konsumieren. Past tense forms: ich konsumierte, du konsumiertest, er konsumierte, wir konsumierten, ihr konsumiertet, sie konsumierten. Past participle: konsumiert. Examples: Ich konsumiere gern frische Früchte. Wir konsumieren täglich Medien.

Economics and related concepts. In economics, Konsum denotes household consumption and is a key component of aggregate demand. The noun is more common in this field, with terms like Konsumverhalten (consumer behavior) or Konsumgüter (consumer goods). Distinctions exist between konsumieren (to consume) and verb words like verbrauchen (to use up) or verzehren (to eat).