German word

Öko

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈøːkoː/

Meaning

  • masculine nounenvironmentalist

Example

Viele Ökos sammelten Müll im Park.

Many environmentalists collected trash in the park.

Illustration for Öko (environmentalist)

More examples

In der Öko-Szene wird über Plastikvermeidung diskutiert.

Plastic reduction is being discussed in the environmentalist scene.

Core concept

A nature-conscious person visible both in personal habits and in practical environmental action.

Common phrases

  • Öko-Szene

    environmentalist scene

  • ein radikaler Öko

    a radical environmentalist

  • Öko-Laden

    eco shop

Similar words

Umweltschützer: A person who works to protect nature and ecosystems.
Umweltaktivist: A person who actively campaigns on environmental issues.
Ökologe: A scientist who studies relationships among organisms and ecosystems.
Umweltfreund: A person who favors environmentally responsible behavior.

Definition in German

Öko (ugs.) meint eine Person, die umweltfreundlich lebt oder sich als Aktivist für die Natur engagiert.

Word origin

The noun Öko developed as a colloquial short form from words such as Ökologe and ökologisch, ultimately linked to Ökologie.

Usage tips

  • The label Öko can sound neutral or dismissive depending on context, while Umweltschützer is more neutral and specific.

Opposites

  • Umweltverschmutzerpolluternoun
  • Klimaleugnerclimate change deniernoun

Related words

Word lists with this word