die Konkurrenz in 30 Seconds
- Die Konkurrenz is a feminine noun meaning competition or the group of competitors.
- It is used in business, sports, and daily life to describe rivalry.
- Common phrases include 'Konkurrenz belebt das Geschäft' and 'außer Konkurrenz'.
- Distinguish between 'die Konkurrenz' (collective) and 'der Konkurrent' (individual).
The German noun die Konkurrenz is a multifaceted term primarily describing the state of competition or the collective group of competitors within a specific market or field. Derived from the Latin concurrentia, it encapsulates the dynamic struggle between entities aiming for the same goal, usually profit, market share, or prestige. In a business context, it functions both as an abstract concept (the act of competing) and as a collective noun (the rivals themselves). Understanding this word requires recognizing its weight in German economic thought, where 'Wettbewerb' (competition) is often seen as a structural necessity, but 'Konkurrenz' carries a more direct, sometimes aggressive, confrontational tone.
- Abstract Competition
- Refers to the systemic rivalry. Example: 'Die Konkurrenz auf dem Weltmarkt nimmt zu.' (Competition on the global market is increasing.)
- Collective Competitors
- Refers to the other companies. Example: 'Die Konkurrenz schläft nicht.' (The competition/competitors never sleep.)
- Sporting Rivalry
- Used in sports to describe the field of participants or the pressure of the race.
"Ohne die Konkurrenz gäbe es keinen Fortschritt, denn sie zwingt uns, jeden Tag besser zu werden als gestern."
In daily life, Germans use this word to discuss everything from why a local bakery closed (too much competition) to why prices are dropping. It is a central pillar of the 'Soziale Marktwirtschaft' (Social Market Economy). The nuance between 'Konkurrenz' and 'Wettbewerb' is subtle; 'Wettbewerb' is often the formal, legal, or sporting term, while 'Konkurrenz' feels more immediate and personal. If you are 'außer Konkurrenz', you are so good (or so different) that you aren't even being compared to the others.
To truly master this word, one must look at its collocations. 'Harte Konkurrenz' (tough competition) is the most frequent pairing. In German corporate culture, analyzing the 'Konkurrenz' is a standard part of any 'Businessplan'. It is not just about the existence of others, but the pressure they exert. This pressure is often described as 'Konkurrenzdruck'.
Using die Konkurrenz correctly involves understanding its role as a collective noun. You don't usually say 'die Konkurrenzen' when talking about three rival shops; you simply say 'die Konkurrenz'. It acts like 'the opposition' in English. When you want to specify a single competitor, you use 'der Konkurrent' (male) or 'die Konkurrentin' (female).
- Verb Pairings
- Common verbs include beleben (to stimulate), ausschalten (to eliminate), and fürchten (to fear).
- Prepositional Use
- Use 'in Konkurrenz treten mit' (to enter into competition with) or 'im Kampf gegen die Konkurrenz' (in the fight against the competition).
"Wir müssen unsere Preise senken, um gegenüber der Konkurrenz wettbewerbsfähig zu bleiben."
In professional settings, you will often hear about 'Konkurrenzanalyse' (competitor analysis). This is a vital compound noun. If you are working in Germany, your boss might ask: 'Was macht die Konkurrenz?' (What is the competition doing?). Note that 'die Konkurrenz' here refers to the other companies as a whole entity.
You will encounter this word most frequently in business news (Wirtschaftsnachrichten), sports broadcasts, and job interviews. In the Tagesschau (Germany's main news program), reporters often discuss 'die Konkurrenz aus Fernost' (competition from the Far East) when talking about the automotive or tech industries.
"Apple und Samsung stehen in ständiger Konkurrenz um die Marktführerschaft bei Smartphones."
In a more casual setting, you might hear it among friends discussing a promotion: 'Es gab viel Konkurrenz für die Stelle' (There was a lot of competition for the job). It implies a crowded field of applicants. In retail, signs might read 'Konkurrenzlos günstig' (Unrivaled low prices), suggesting that no other store can match their price point.
The most frequent error for English speakers is confusing the collective noun with the individual person. If you want to say 'My competitor is fast', do not say 'Meine Konkurrenz ist schnell' unless you mean the whole company. Use 'Mein Konkurrent'.
- False Friend: Don't confuse it with 'concurrence' in the sense of agreement. In German, 'Konkurrenz' never means agreement; it always means rivalry.
- Gender: Learners often forget it's feminine. It's die Konkurrenz, even if the competitors are mostly men.
- Plural: Avoid using 'die Konkurrenzen' to mean 'the competitors'. Stick to the singular collective.
The most important synonym is der Wettbewerb. While often interchangeable, 'Wettbewerb' is the preferred term in legal contexts (Wettbewerbsrecht) and formal sports. Die Rivalität is another similar word, but it carries a more emotional, personal connotation, often used for long-standing feuds between teams or people.
- Der Mitbewerber
- A more polite, corporate term for a competitor, often used in job applications or B2B sales.
- Das Preisausschreiben
- A specific type of competition like a contest or lottery, not to be confused with market competition.
How Formal Is It?
Difficulty Rating
Grammar to Know
Collective Nouns (Kollektiva)
Compound Nouns (Komposita)
Genitive case with 'wegen'
Dative objects with 'voraus sein'
Reflexive verbs like 'sich behaupten'
Examples by Level
Die Konkurrenz ist sehr stark.
The competition is very strong.
Subject + Verb + Adjective.
Hast du viel Konkurrenz?
Do you have much competition?
Question form with 'haben'.
Das ist die Konkurrenz.
That is the competition.
Simple demonstrative sentence.
Die Konkurrenz schläft nicht.
The competition doesn't sleep.
Common idiom.
Wer ist die Konkurrenz?
Who is the competition?
Interrogative pronoun 'Wer'.
Wir hassen die Konkurrenz.
We hate the competition.
Direct object in accusative.
Gibt es hier Konkurrenz?
Is there competition here?
'Es gibt' + accusative.
Kleine Konkurrenz ist gut.
Small competition is good.
Adjective ending (none here).
Unsere Konkurrenz hat niedrigere Preise.
Our competition has lower prices.
Possessive pronoun 'unsere'.
Ich muss die Konkurrenz beobachten.
I must observe the competition.
Modal verb 'müssen'.
Die Konkurrenz in der Stadt ist groß.
The competition in the city is big.
Prepositional phrase 'in der Stadt'.
Er arbeitet für die Konkurrenz.
He works for the competition.
Preposition 'für' + accusative.
Ohne Konkurrenz wird man faul.
Without competition, one becomes lazy.
Preposition 'ohne' + accusative.
Die Konkurrenz macht uns besser.
The competition makes us better.
Causative structure.
Gegen die Konkurrenz gewinnen ist schwer.
Winning against the competition is hard.
Infinitive phrase as subject.
Sie fürchten die neue Konkurrenz.
They fear the new competition.
Adjective 'neu' in accusative.
Konkurrenz belebt das Geschäft.
Competition stimulates business.
Proverbial usage.
Wir müssen uns gegen die Konkurrenz durchsetzen.
We must assert ourselves against the competition.
Reflexive verb 'sich durchsetzen'.
Die Konkurrenz hat ein neues Produkt auf den Markt gebracht.
The competition has brought a new product to market.
Perfekt tense.
In dieser Branche herrscht harte Konkurrenz.
In this industry, there is tough competition.
Verb 'herrschen' (to prevail).
Wir haben die Konkurrenz genau analysiert.
We have analyzed the competition exactly.
Adverbial usage.
Sie ist außer Konkurrenz gelaufen.
She ran outside of the competition (non-scoring).
Idiomatic phrase 'außer Konkurrenz'.
Die Preise sinken wegen der starken Konkurrenz.
Prices are falling because of the strong competition.
Genitive after 'wegen'.
Man darf die Konkurrenz niemals unterschätzen.
One must never underestimate the competition.
Modal verb 'dürfen' + negation.
Der Konkurrenzkampf um die Kunden wird immer aggressiver.
The competitive struggle for customers is becoming more aggressive.
Compound noun 'Konkurrenzkampf'.
Wir stehen in direkter Konkurrenz zu diesem Unternehmen.
We are in direct competition with this company.
Prepositional object 'zu'.
Die Globalisierung verschärft die Konkurrenz weltweit.
Globalization intensifies competition worldwide.
Transitive verb 'verschärfen'.
Er konnte sich gegenüber der Konkurrenz behaupten.
He was able to hold his own against the competition.
Verb 'behaupten' with 'gegenüber'.
Es ist wichtig, die Strategie der Konkurrenz zu kennen.
It is important to know the competition's strategy.
Infinitiv mit 'zu'.
Die Konkurrenzsituation hat sich drastisch verändert.
The competitive situation has changed drastically.
Compound noun 'Konkurrenzsituation'.
Viele Firmen scheitern an der harten Konkurrenz.
Many firms fail due to the tough competition.
Verb 'scheitern an' + dative.
Wir müssen innovativ bleiben, um der Konkurrenz einen Schritt voraus zu sein.
We must remain innovative to be one step ahead of the competition.
Dative object 'der Konkurrenz'.
Die Verdrängungskonkurrenz führt oft zu Monopolbildungen.
Cut-throat competition often leads to the formation of monopolies.
Technical economic term.
In einem gesättigten Markt ist die Konkurrenz besonders gnadenlos.
In a saturated market, competition is particularly merciless.
Adjective 'gnadenlos'.
Die Konkurrenz belebt zwar das Geschäft, kann aber auch ruinös sein.
Competition does stimulate business, but it can also be ruinous.
Conjunction 'zwar... aber'.
Man wirft dem Konzern unlautere Konkurrenz vor.
The corporation is accused of unfair competition.
Fixed phrase 'unlautere Konkurrenz'.
Die Konkurrenz unter den Bewerbern war immens.
The competition among the applicants was immense.
Preposition 'unter' + dative.
Wir dürfen uns nicht auf den Erfolgen ausruhen, da die Konkurrenz aufholt.
We must not rest on our laurels, as the competition is catching up.
Causal clause with 'da'.
Die Konkurrenzfähigkeit des Standorts Deutschland steht zur Debatte.
The competitiveness of Germany as a business location is up for debate.
Abstract noun 'Konkurrenzfähigkeit'.
Es herrscht eine mörderische Konkurrenz um die knappen Ressourcen.
There is murderous competition for the scarce resources.
Metaphorical adjective 'mörderisch'.
Die Konkurrenztheorie der Demokratie postuliert einen Wettbewerb der Eliten.
The competitive theory of democracy postulates a competition of elites.
Academic terminology.
In der biologischen Evolution ist die interspezifische Konkurrenz ein Motor des Wandels.
In biological evolution, interspecific competition is a driver of change.
Scientific context.
Das Unternehmen agiert jenseits jeglicher Konkurrenz.
The company operates beyond any competition.
Preposition 'jenseits' + genitive.
Die Dialektik von Kooperation und Konkurrenz prägt das menschliche Miteinander.
The dialectic of cooperation and competition shapes human interaction.
Philosophical phrasing.
Eine ruinöse Konkurrenz kann zur Destabilisierung ganzer Wirtschaftszweige führen.
Ruinous competition can lead to the destabilization of entire economic sectors.
Complex nominal style.
Die Konkurrenz um die Deutungshoheit in den Medien verschärft sich.
The competition for interpretive sovereignty in the media is intensifying.
Abstract concept 'Deutungshoheit'.
In seinem Werk thematisiert der Autor die zerstörerische Kraft der Konkurrenz.
In his work, the author addresses the destructive power of competition.
Literary analysis.
Die regulatorischen Eingriffe sollen eine gesunde Konkurrenz gewährleisten.
Regulatory interventions are intended to ensure healthy competition.
Formal administrative German.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
Idioms & Expressions
Easily Confused
Sentence Patterns
How to Use It
Wettbewerb is more formal/legal; Konkurrenz is more common in daily business talk.
Avoid 'die Konkurrenzen' unless talking about different types of competition (rare).
- Using 'der Konkurrenz' as nominative (it's 'die').
- Using the plural 'Konkurrenzen' for individual people.
- Confusing 'Konkurrenz' with 'Konferenz'.
- Saying 'in Konkurrenz' without 'zu' or 'mit'.
- Translating 'competition' as 'Wettbewerb' in every single case (sometimes Konkurrenz is better).
Tips
Collective Noun
Treat 'die Konkurrenz' like a single entity. Use singular verbs even if you mean many rivals.
Compound Power
Learn 'Konkurrenzdruck'. It's a very common word in German offices to describe stress from rivals.
Idiom Usage
Use 'Die Konkurrenz schläft nicht' when you want to remind someone to keep working hard.
Formal Tone
In a formal business report, 'Wettbewerbsumfeld' is sometimes preferred over 'Konkurrenz'.
The 'K' Connection
K for Konkurrenz, K for Kampf (struggle). They go together.
Adjective Choice
Pair it with 'gnadenlos' (merciless) for dramatic effect in storytelling.
Context Clues
If you hear 'Konkurrenz' in a store, they are likely talking about a price match.
Market Economy
Understand that 'Wettbewerb' is a legal right in Germany, protected by the state.
Außer Konkurrenz
Use this to praise someone: 'Du spielst heute außer Konkurrenz!' (You're in a league of your own).
Not 'Concurrence'
Never use it to mean 'agreement'. That would be 'Zustimmung' or 'Übereinstimmung'.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Concurrent' events in English clashing together. In German, they 'run together' to win the prize.
Word Origin
Latin 'concurrentia'
Cultural Context
The German school system is often criticized for being too competitive too early (at age 10 when children are tracked).
In German football (Bundesliga), 'Konkurrenz' between clubs like Bayern Munich and Dortmund is a major cultural driver.
In German business meetings, it is professional to acknowledge the competition's strengths while highlighting your own unique selling points.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Conversation Starters
"Glaubst du, dass Konkurrenz in der Schule gut für Kinder ist?"
"Wie geht deine Firma mit der Konkurrenz aus dem Ausland um?"
"Hast du schon mal eine Stelle bekommen, obwohl es viel Konkurrenz gab?"
"Ist Konkurrenz unter Freunden ein Problem?"
"Welche Firma ist momentan die größte Konkurrenz für Apple?"
Journal Prompts
Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich gegen harte Konkurrenz durchsetzen musstest.
Ist eine Welt ohne Konkurrenz möglich oder wünschenswert?
Wie motiviert dich Konkurrenz in deinem täglichen Leben?
Analysiere die Konkurrenz in deinem aktuellen Berufsfeld.
Was bedeutet der Satz 'Konkurrenz belebt das Geschäft' für dich persönlich?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it is often seen as positive because it leads to better products and lower prices ('Konkurrenz belebt das Geschäft').
Yes, but usually as a collective. For one person, use 'Konkurrent'.
It means unfair competition, like lying about products or stealing secrets.
It is always 'die' (feminine).
It means someone participates but their score doesn't count, or they are so good they can't be compared.
You use the adjective 'konkurrenzfähig'.
Yes, to describe the field of athletes or the rivalry.
A non-compete clause in a contract.
No, say 'viel Konkurrenz' or 'viele Konkurrenten'.
Kooperation (cooperation) or Monopol (monopoly).
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Summary
In German, 'die Konkurrenz' is both the 'act of competing' and 'the rivals' themselves. It is a central concept in the German economy, often paired with adjectives like 'hart' (tough) or 'stark' (strong).
- Die Konkurrenz is a feminine noun meaning competition or the group of competitors.
- It is used in business, sports, and daily life to describe rivalry.
- Common phrases include 'Konkurrenz belebt das Geschäft' and 'außer Konkurrenz'.
- Distinguish between 'die Konkurrenz' (collective) and 'der Konkurrent' (individual).
Collective Noun
Treat 'die Konkurrenz' like a single entity. Use singular verbs even if you mean many rivals.
Compound Power
Learn 'Konkurrenzdruck'. It's a very common word in German offices to describe stress from rivals.
Idiom Usage
Use 'Die Konkurrenz schläft nicht' when you want to remind someone to keep working hard.
Formal Tone
In a formal business report, 'Wettbewerbsumfeld' is sometimes preferred over 'Konkurrenz'.
Related Content
More business words
Abgabe
B1levy, duty, fee, submission
abgleichen
B1to reconcile, to compare, to balance
ablegen
B1To file, put down; to place documents in a systematic order.
abrechnen
B1To bill or settle accounts, to calculate and present a charge.
Abteilung
A2department, section
abwickeln
B1To handle, process; to deal with or manage.
Akte
B1A collection of documents on a particular subject or case.
Aktie
B1Share, stock; a unit of ownership in a company.
Aktionär
A2shareholder, stockholder (male)
Aktionärin
A2shareholder, stockholder (female)
