A “consultant” in the functional sense is a natural person who provides an explanation of facts based on knowledge and analysis in connection with an assessment of alternative courses of action derived from this and resulting in a recommendation.

A “consultant” in the professional sense is a natural person who, in the course of his or her professional activity, is primarily concerned with providing explanations of facts based on knowledge and analysis in connection with an assessment of alternative courses of action that result in a recommendation.

“Consultants” in the institutional sense are partnerships, corporations, organizations or institutions which, in the context of their commercial activity, offer the professional service of “consulting” in the sense of an explanation of facts based on knowledge and analysis in connection with the subsequent assessment of alternative courses of action, which results in a recommendation. “Consultants” in the institutional sense are also referred to as “consulting firms” or “consulting company”.

The “consulting service” offered by “consultants” can be directed at various groups of addressees. In many cases, individual consultants specialise on specific target groups, such as management consultants, corporate consultants or political consultants.

In addition, specialisation with regard to the subject matter of the consultation is common. A functional focus is widespread, as is the case with strategy consultants, for example. At present, specialisation in digital change, digitization and digital transformation is of particular importance. Digitalization consultants and digital consultants are active in this area.