German language skills
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German language skills
The ability to understand, speak, read, and write the German language. The word is usually used in the plural (Deutschkenntnisse).
Für diese Stelle sind sehr gute Deutschkenntnisse erforderlich.
Very good German language skills are required for this position.
The word is made up of 'Deutsch' (German) and 'Kenntnis' (knowledge/skill). 'Kenntnis' comes from the verb 'kennen' (to know) and means knowledge or ability. 'Deutschkenntnisse' are therefore literally knowledge of the German language.
Um in Deutschland zu studieren, muss man ausreichende Deutschkenntnisse nachweisen.
To study in Germany, you have to prove sufficient German language skills.
Although the singular 'die Deutschkenntnis' exists, the word is almost always used in the plural 'die Deutschkenntnisse' (German language skills). This is common when talking about a person's general language level.
In meinem Lebenslauf habe ich meine Deutschkenntnisse angegeben.
I listed my German language skills on my résumé.
To describe the level, the word is often combined with adjectives such as 'grundlegende' (basic), 'gute' (good), 'sehr gute' (very good), or 'ausgezeichnete' (excellent) Deutschkenntnisse. Typical verbs are 'haben' (to have), 'verbessern' (to improve), 'nachweisen' (to prove), and 'erfordern' (to require).
Ich möchte meine Deutschkenntnisse mit einem Sprachkurs verbessern.
I would like to improve my German language skills with a language course.
language skill
„Sprachkenntnisse“ and „Deutschkenntnisse“ both refer to the ability to understand and use a language. „Deutschkenntnisse“ specifies German, while „Sprachkenntnisse“ leaves the language unspecified. Use „Deutschkenntnisse“ when German is meant, and „Sprachkenntnisse“ when the language is clear from the context or is meant to remain open.
Für die Stelle sind gute Deutschkenntnisse wichtig, weil man mit Kunden in Deutschland spricht.
Good German language skills are important for the position because you speak with customers in Germany.
Für die Stelle sind gute Sprachkenntnisse wichtig, aber die Anzeige nennt keine bestimmte Sprache.
Good language skills are important for the position, but the advertisement does not name a specific language.
