begabt
gifted
To possess a special innate ability or talent for a particular area.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist musikalisch sehr begabt und spielt mehrere Instrumente.
She is very musically gifted and plays several instruments.
begabt
gifted
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word is derived from 'die Gabe' (the gift). Someone who is 'begabt' (gifted) has therefore received a special ability almost as a gift. This origin helps you remember the meaning 'talented'.
EXAMPLE
Er hat die Gabe, Menschen zum Lachen zu bringen.
He has the gift of making people laugh.
Correct preposition
To name the area of talent, you usually use the preposition 'für' (+ accusative). With school subjects or more general areas, 'in' (+ dative) is also possible.
EXAMPLE
Meine Nichte ist sehr begabt für Musik.
My niece is very gifted in music.
Typical collocations
'Begabt' (gifted) is often combined with an adverb that describes the type of talent. Common combinations are 'musikalisch begabt' (musically gifted), 'sprachlich begabt' (gifted with languages), 'künstlerisch begabt' (artistically gifted), or 'handwerklich begabt' (skilled with crafts/manual work).
EXAMPLE
Mein Bruder ist handwerklich sehr begabt und repariert alles selbst.
My brother is very skilled with crafts and repairs everything himself.
Compare with
begabt vs fähig
capable
Fähig and begabt both describe someone with strong abilities. Fähig can also refer to a competence acquired through learning and practice, while begabt highlights a special innate talent. Use fähig for acquired ability and begabt for natural talent.
begabt
Schon als kleines Kind zeigte Mira, dass sie musikalisch begabt ist.
Even as a small child, Mira showed that she was musically gifted.
fähig
Durch jahrelanges Üben ist Mira eine sehr fähige Pianistin geworden.
After years of practice, Mira has become a very capable pianist.
In real life
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