German word

wirtschaften

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɪɐ̯tʃaftn̩/

Meaning

  • verbget by

Example

Wir wirtschaften mit wenig Geld.

We get by on little money.

Illustration for wirtschaften (get by)

More examples

Der Verein muss oft auf Kredit wirtschaften, wenn die Spenden ausbleiben.

The association often has to get by on credit when donations dry up.

Core concept

A manager allocates scarce supplies across daily needs so that the whole operation gets by rather than running out.

Common phrases

  • nachhaltig wirtschaften

    manage sustainably

  • auf Kredit wirtschaften

    get by on credit

  • mit einem engen Budget wirtschaften

    get by on a tight budget

Similar words

haushalten: Run a household on limited income by keeping spending under control.
auskommen: Live adequately on the income available.
sparen: Set money aside for future needs or unexpected emergencies.
verwalten: Organize and oversee funds, supplies, or work responsibilities.

Definition in German

Geld und andere Mittel so einsetzen und planen, dass Haushalt oder Betrieb mit wenig Mitteln auskommt

Word origin

The verb comes from Wirtschaft, a noun historically built on Wirt with the suffix -schaft and originally linked to managing a household or business.

Usage tips

  • Wirtschaften describes overall resource management, whereas sparen focuses more narrowly on not spending or preserving money.

Other meanings

  • runverb
  • economizeverb

Opposites

  • verschleudernsquanderverb
  • verschwendenwasteverb

Related words

Word lists with this word