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
Fähigkeit and Befähigung can both express that someone is able to do something. Fähigkeit usually means the specific ability, while Befähigung places more emphasis on an acquired or formal qualification for a task. Use Fähigkeit for personal ability and Befähigung for qualification gained through training or experience.
Durch die Ausbildung erhielt er die Befähigung, diese Aufgabe selbstständig zu übernehmen.
Through the training, he gained the qualification to take on this task independently.
Ihre Fähigkeit, schwierige Probleme schnell zu lösen, hilft ihr im Alltag.
Her ability to solve difficult problems quickly helps her in everyday life.
