die Kundschaft
Translation
clientele, customers, client base
Examples
Der Laden hat eine treue Kundschaft.
The shop has a loyal clientele.
Die Kundschaft war sehr zufrieden.
The customers were very satisfied.
Grammar Patterns
to serve the customers (die Kundschaft bedienen) The salesperson serves the customers.
to have a loyal clientele (eine treue Kundschaft haben) The café has a loyal clientele.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Kunden (the customers), das Klientel (clientele)
Etymology
From 'Kunde' (customer) + the suffix '-schaft', which denotes a collective group, similar to English '-ship' or '-hood'. It means a body of customers.
Memory Tips
Think of the '-schaft' suffix as creating a collective noun, like in 'Mannschaft' (team). So, 'Kundschaft' is the 'customer-team'.