This is the 12988th most frequent German word.
zwangskunden
"Zwangskunden" refers to "customers who are compelled or obligated to use a service or purchase a product, often due to lack of alternatives."
Here, 'zwangskunden' is used to describe someone who is metaphorically treated as having no choice, even though they willingly engage with the service.
Die Firma behandelt ihn wie einen Zwangskunden, obwohl er freiwillig ihre Dienstleistungen nutzt.
The company treats him like a forced customer, even though he voluntarily uses their services.
In this sentence, 'zwangskunden' directly refers to individuals who are required, due to the contract, to deal only with certain suppliers.
Der Vertrag macht aus allen Teilnehmern Zwangskunden der neuen Lieferanten.
The contract turns all participants into forced customers of the new suppliers.
Here, 'zwangskunde' describes someone who is limited by circumstances or rules to specific products or services, emphasizing the lack of options.