qualification / capability
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qualification / capability
The personal or formal qualification to carry out a certain activity or fulfill a task. It can be based on talent, training, or experience.
Nach bestandener Prüfung erhielt sie die Befähigung, als Anwältin zu arbeiten.
After passing the exam, she received the qualification to work as a lawyer.
'Befähigung' (qualification/capability) belongs to the word family of 'fähig' (adjective: able) and 'befähigen' (verb: to enable someone, to make someone capable). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a noun that describes the ability itself.
Durch den Kurs hat er die nötigen Fähigkeiten erworben.
Through the course, he acquired the necessary skills.
The word is often used with the preposition 'zu' (+ dative) or an infinitive construction with 'zu' to describe what the ability applies to.
Er hat die Befähigung zur Leitung eines Teams.
He has the qualification to lead a team.
'Befähigung' (qualification/capability) is a formal word that is often used in official, legal, or professional contexts, for example in references or when providing proof of qualifications.
Im Arbeitszeugnis wurde ihre besondere Befähigung für Organisation gelobt.
In the employment reference, her special aptitude for organization was praised.
Common verbs combined with 'Befähigung' (qualification/capability) are 'haben' (to have), 'besitzen' (to possess), 'erwerben' (to acquire), or 'nachweisen' (to prove/demonstrate).
Für diese Stelle müssen Sie eine besondere Befähigung nachweisen.
For this position, you must demonstrate a special qualification.
ability
'die Fähigkeit' and 'die Befähigung' are both connected to someone being able to do something. 'Fähigkeit' is more general and means an ability that comes from talent, practice, or experience. 'Befähigung' sounds more formal and often means that someone is suitable or qualified for a specific task, for example through training or experience. They can be confused because both express ability. In everyday situations, 'Fähigkeit' is usually more natural; for professions, exams, or official tasks, 'Befähigung' is more precise.
Die Befähigung zur Leitung des Kurses hat sie durch ihre Ausbildung bekommen.
She gained the qualification to lead the course through her training.
Für diese Aufgabe brauchst du die Fähigkeit, schnell und genau zu rechnen.
For this task, you need the ability to calculate quickly and accurately.