tact / sensitivity
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tact / sensitivity
The ability to act tactfully, empathetically, and skillfully in difficult or delicate situations. It describes a very fine sense for handling people or things in the right way.
Bei den Verhandlungen war viel Fingerspitzengefühl gefragt, um niemanden zu verärgern.
A great deal of tact was needed during the negotiations so as not to upset anyone.
The word is a figurative compound made up of 'Fingerspitzen' (fingertips) and 'Gefühl' (feeling). It describes the ability to handle a situation as finely and carefully as if you were feeling it with your fingertips.
Er hat die heikle Frage mit viel Fingerspitzengefühl beantwortet.
He answered the delicate question with a great deal of tact.
This noun is often used with certain verbs. Typical phrases are 'Fingerspitzengefühl haben' (to have tact/sensitivity), 'Fingerspitzengefühl beweisen' (to show tact/sensitivity), or 'Fingerspitzengefühl erfordern' (to require tact/sensitivity).
Als Chefin muss man viel Fingerspitzengefühl haben.
As a boss, you have to have a great deal of tact.
The word is used not only for social competence in dealing with people, but also for manual skill in very fine, precise work.
Ein Uhrmacher braucht ruhige Hände und viel Fingerspitzengefühl.
A watchmaker needs steady hands and a great deal of sensitivity.
skill / fate
'das Geschick' and 'das Fingerspitzengefühl' both describe a special ability to do something well and appropriately. 'Geschick' often means practical skill, especially when working precisely with your hands. 'Fingerspitzengefühl' is more about a fine sense for difficult situations, especially in dealing with people. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with acting skillfully. If someone is building, repairing, or crafting something, 'Geschick' fits better. If someone has to react carefully, tactfully, and empathetically, 'Fingerspitzengefühl' fits better.
Bei dem Streit in der Familie brauchte Sofia viel Fingerspitzengefühl.
Sofia needed a great deal of tact during the family argument.
Mein Bruder baut kleine Modelle mit großem Geschick.
My brother builds small models with great skill.