educated / formed
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educated
The quality of a person who, through upbringing and learning, has broad knowledge, good manners, and cultural understanding.
Er ist ein sehr gebildeter Gesprächspartner, der sich in vielen Themen auskennt.
He is a very educated conversation partner who knows about many topics.
'Gebildet' (educated/formed) is the past participle of the verb 'bilden' (to form/educate). The verb has two main meanings: to educate someone and to form or create something. The two meanings of the adjective are also derived from these.
Die Schule soll die Schüler zu kritischen Menschen bilden.
The school is supposed to educate students to become critical thinkers.
The two meanings are easy to distinguish. When 'gebildet' (educated) describes a person, it means 'cultivated, with a lot of knowledge'. In all other contexts, especially in formal or technical language, it means 'formed' or 'created'.
Sie ist eine sehr gebildete Frau mit vielen Interessen.
She is a very educated woman with many interests.
When 'gebildet' (educated) describes a person, it is a strong compliment. It means more than just 'intelligent'; it also includes knowledge of culture, history, and good manners.
Er führte ein sehr gebildetes Gespräch über klassische Musik.
He had a very educated conversation about classical music.
In its grammatical meaning, 'gebildet' (formed) is often part of a passive construction with 'werden' (to become). It describes how a linguistic or formal structure comes into being.
Der Plural wird bei diesem Nomen mit „-er“ gebildet.
The plural of this noun is formed with '-er'.
clever / wise
'klug' and 'gebildet' can both say something positive about a person, but they do not mean the same thing. 'klug' means that someone thinks well, understands quickly, or acts wisely. 'gebildet' means that someone has learned a lot, knows a lot, and often also seems culturally confident. Learners may confuse the words because an educated person often also seems clever. But someone can be 'klug' without having a lot of school knowledge or cultural knowledge. And someone can be 'gebildet' without acting wisely in every situation.
Nach vielen Jahren Studium und Lesen wirkt sie sehr gebildet.
After many years of studying and reading, she seems very educated.
Du bist klug, wenn du vor dem Gespräch erst alle Informationen sammelst.
You are being wise if you gather all the information before the conversation.