gescheit
smart
Clever, intelligent, and endowed with good judgment.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist ein wirklich gescheites Mädchen und hat immer die besten Noten.
She is a really smart girl and always gets the best grades.
gescheit
smart / sensible
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Meanings
gescheit
sensible / decent
Especially in southern Germany and Austria, also used in the sense of sensible, proper, or decent.
EXAMPLE
Zieh dir was Gescheites an, wir gehen heute Abend schick essen!
Put on something decent; we're going out for a nice dinner tonight!
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'gescheit' depends strongly on the context and the region. If it refers to a person's intelligence or the cleverness of an idea, it means 'klug' (smart). If it describes a thing, clothing, or behavior, it often means 'ordentlich' (proper) or 'vernünftig' (sensible), especially in southern Germany.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine gescheite Entscheidung.
That was a smart decision.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'klug' (smart), 'gescheit' is often used to describe people, their actions, or their statements. Typical combinations are 'ein gescheiter Mensch' (a smart person), 'eine gescheite Antwort' (a smart answer), or 'nicht sehr gescheit sein' (not to be very smart).
EXAMPLE
Er hat auf meine Frage eine sehr gescheite Antwort gegeben.
He gave a very smart answer to my question.
Regional usage
The meaning 'ordentlich' (proper) or 'vernünftig' (sensible) is especially common in southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In northern and central Germany, the word is used less often in this sense.
EXAMPLE
Iss doch mal was Gescheites, nicht immer nur Süßigkeiten!
Eat something sensible for once, not just sweets all the time!
Compare with
gescheit vs schlau
smart / cunning
Schlau and gescheit can both describe an intelligent person or solution. Depending on the context, schlau also emphasizes a tactical, sometimes sly approach, while gescheit usually simply indicates good judgment in a positive way. Use gescheit for neutral approval and schlau when a clever strategy is part of the meaning.
gescheit
Mit einem gescheiten Plan löste Lena die schwierige Aufgabe schnell und verständlich.
With a sensible plan, Lena solved the difficult task quickly and clearly.
schlau
Mit einem schlauen Plan sparte Lena Geld, ohne dass ihr Nachbar etwas bemerkte.
With a clever plan, Lena saved money without her neighbor noticing.
In real life
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