The principle of sustainable development states that resources must be used in such a way that both current needs and the needs of future generations can be met. According to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, this requires, among other things, sustainable consumption. This paper tries to explain to what extent nudging can help people make sustainable consumption decisions. Based on their high emissions in private consumption, the areas of food, housing and mobility are identified as important aspects of sustainable consumption. The majority of the paper consists of a review of empirical literature. Studies are considered that relate to the highlighted areas of sustainable consumption as well as four selected nudges. The results show that the selected nudges can promote sustainable consumption decisions. Certain aspects such as the phrasing or reference of the nudge are relevant for success.