ökonomischer

ökonomischer is the comparative form of the German adjective ökonomisch. It appears in two broad senses. First, it can mean relating to the economy or to economics, i.e., theoretical or disciplinary usage. Second, it often describes something that is cost-efficient or economically advantageous, i.e., more economical or economically sensible.

Etymology and related terms. The adjective derives from Ökonomie (economy), itself borrowed from the French économie, which in turn traces to the Greek oikonomía meaning household management. The comparative form is used when making a direct comparison, as in Dieser Plan ist ökonomischer als jener (This plan is more economical than that one). The feminine form would be ökonomischere (eine ökonomischere Lösung).

Usage and nuance. In everyday language, ökonomisch is frequently translated as “economic” or “economical,” with nuance depending on context. When discussing resources, efficiency, or cost, ökonomischer emphasizes cost-effectiveness or prudent resource use. In academic, policy, or business contexts, it can also relate to economic theory, models, or macroeconomic analysis. Distinctions with wirtschaftlich are subtle but present: wirtschaftlich is a broader term for matters connected with the economy or economic viability, while ökonomisch more often highlights efficiency, optimization, or theoretical economic considerations.

Examples. Common usage includes: “Der Plan ist ökonomischer” (The plan is more economical) and “eine ökonomischere Lösung” (a more economical solution). Capitalization rules apply when the noun Ökonomie or Ökonom naturally appear as a noun; otherwise, ökono­misch remains an adjective in lowercase.

In translation, ökonomischer conveys either a higher degree of economic efficiency or a relation to economics, depending on context.