Veganer

Veganer is the German term for a person who follows veganism, a lifestyle that avoids animal products in diet and often in other areas of life, such as clothing and cosmetics. The feminine form is Veganerin, and the plural for mixed or all-male groups is Veganer; Veganerinnen is used for groups of women. In German, capitalization of nouns is standard, so the term refers to adherents of veganism as a label.

Etymology and concept: The English term vegan, formed in the mid-20th century by removing the end of vegetarian, was adopted into German usage as vegan or Veganismus. A vegan is someone who aligns with this philosophy, while veganism denotes the lifestyle and its ethical, environmental, and health motivations.

Dietary and lifestyle characteristics: A vegan excludes meat, fish, dairy products, eggs, and other animal-derived ingredients such as gelatin. Many also avoid animal-derived materials in non-food items (leather, wool, silk) and seek vegan-certified cosmetics and household products. Diets often rely on plant-based foods, fortified products, and supplements to meet nutritional needs.

Motivations and community: People choose veganism for ethical concerns about animal welfare, environmental considerations related to resource use and emissions, and health reasons. The vegan movement includes advocacy, education, and public discourse, and maintains a growing network of vegan-friendly restaurants, shops, and online communities in German-speaking regions.

Nutrition and health considerations: A well-planned vegan diet can meet nutrient needs but may require attention to vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, iodine, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, commonly addressed through fortified foods or supplements.