clever
Intelligent, smart, and quick-thinking, often in a practical or resourceful way.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine clevere Lösung für das komplizierte Problem gefunden.
She found a clever solution to the complicated problem.
clever
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Meanings
clever
cunning
Cunning or crafty; focused on one's own advantage.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein cleverer Geschäftsmann, der immer einen Weg findet, zu profitieren.
He is a cunning businessman who always finds a way to profit.
Usage tips
False friend
Although 'clever' comes from English, in German it often has a more practical or even slightly cunning meaning. It is not always just a synonym for 'intelligent,' but describes someone who is resourceful and focused on their own advantage.
EXAMPLE
Das war ein cleverer Schachzug, um die Konkurrenz auszustechen.
That was a clever move to outdo the competition.
Context clue
Whether 'clever' is meant positively (smart) or slightly negatively (cunning) depends on the context. A 'clevere Lösung' (clever solution) is positive, while a 'cleverer Betrüger' (cunning scammer) emphasizes the crafty side of the word.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat eine clevere Methode entwickelt, um Zeit zu sparen.
She developed a clever method to save time.
Register
The word 'clever' is used very frequently in everyday language. It often sounds more modern and less formal than other words for intelligence.
EXAMPLE
Das ist eine clevere App, die kannte ich noch gar nicht.
That's a clever app; I didn't even know about it.
Typical collocations
In its positive meaning, 'clever' is often combined with nouns that describe a mental achievement. Typical examples are: 'eine clevere Idee' (a clever idea), 'ein cleverer Plan' (a clever plan), or 'ein cleverer Schachzug' (a clever move).
EXAMPLE
Deine Idee, die Termine zusammenzulegen, war wirklich clever.
Your idea to combine the appointments was really clever.
Compare with
clever vs schlau
smart / cunning
Schlau and clever both describe a person or solution that reaches its goal quickly and skillfully. Clever often sounds approving and practical, while schlau can also emphasize cunning or personal advantage. Clever is a good fit for a resourceful solution viewed positively; schlau is more suitable for a cunning approach.
clever
Sie hatte eine clevere Idee und löste das praktische Problem in wenigen Minuten.
She had a clever idea and solved the practical problem in just a few minutes.
schlau
Er war schlau und überzeugte den Verkäufer mit einem kleinen Trick von seinem Vorschlag.
He was cunning and convinced the seller of his proposal with a small trick.
In real life
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