sparsam

Sparsam is a German adjective meaning economical, thrifty, or frugal, particularly with money, energy, or time. It describes behavior, devices, or policies that minimize consumption without sacrificing function or quality.

Etymology: The term derives from sparen, to save or spare, with the suffix -sam, forming an adjective that characterizes someone or something as prone to sparing or efficient use of resources.

Usage: In everyday language sparsam applies to people as well as objects. A sparsamer Verbrauch means a low rate of consumption; ein sparsames Budget refers to a frugal budget; eine sparsame Frau or eine sparsame Politikern denotes thrift in person or policy. Plural usage yields sparsame Geräte for energy-efficient devices. In advertising and technical contexts sparsam can imply low energy use, though more precise terms like energieeffizient or sparsamer Verbrauch are common.

Variants and related forms: The noun sparsamkeit denotes thrift or frugality, while verschwenderisch describes wasteful behavior. The concept is closely related to efficiency (Effizienz) and sustainability, and it often intersects with discussions of budgeting, consumption, and environmental impact.

See also: Sparsamkeit, Energieeffizienz, Umweltbewusstsein, Ressourcenmanagement.