genius
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genius
A person with exceptionally high intelligence or outstanding creative talent.
Albert Einstein gilt als eines der größten Genies des 20. Jahrhunderts.
Albert Einstein is considered one of the greatest geniuses of the 20th century.
'Das Genie' (genius) refers to a highly gifted person or their ability. It is not the magical spirit from fairy tales that is called a 'genie' in English.
Marie Curie war ein wissenschaftliches Genie.
Marie Curie was a scientific genius.
When 'Genie' (genius) is countable ('ein Genie' — a genius, 'zwei Genies' — two geniuses), it refers to a person. When it is uncountable and often appears with a genitive or possessive pronoun ('das Genie des Komponisten' — the composer's genius, 'ihr Genie' — her genius), it refers to the ability.
Manche halten ihn für ein Genie.
Some people consider him a genius.
Although 'das Genie' (genius) often describes a person, its grammatical gender is neuter. You say 'das Genie', not 'der Genie'.
Das junge Genie gewann den Wettbewerb.
The young genius won the competition.
When a person is meant, 'Genie' (genius) is often used in phrases such as 'als Genie gelten' (to be considered a genius), 'ein verkanntes Genie sein' (to be an unrecognized genius), or in combination with a field, e.g. 'ein Mathe-Genie' (a math genius).
Er galt schon in der Schule als Genie.
He was already considered a genius at school.
When the ability is meant, 'Genie' (genius) is often combined with adjectives such as 'künstlerisches' (artistic), 'musikalisches' (musical), or 'technisches' (technical).
Das technische Genie des Erfinders zeigte sich in all seinen Konstruktionen.
The inventor's technical genius was evident in all his designs.
light
'das Licht' and 'das Genie' can both mean a very capable or intelligent person. 'das Genie' clearly says that someone is exceptionally intelligent or creative. 'ein Licht' is used more figuratively, often in expressions like 'ein großes Licht' (a great luminary). This can be meant seriously, but it can also quickly sound ironic. If you want to speak neutrally and clearly about special talent, 'Genie' fits better. 'Licht' fits more in fixed or slightly joking expressions.
Er ist kein Genie, aber er lernt sehr schnell und findet gute Lösungen.
He is not a genius, but he learns very quickly and finds good solutions.
In Mathe ist Paul wirklich ein großes Licht.
Paul is really a great luminary in math.