Which is also what DDG is.

Is it?

Yes? Offering ad space (and placing affiliate links) is how they make money.

Difference to Google is how they position themselves in regards to privacy, and that Google actually built a search engine. Both make their money by providing ad space.

Where are the ads?

Maybe search with DDG with your ad blocker off? The first 75% of the page was ads for me.

Why are you using the internet without multiple ad blockers?