das Geschick
skill
The ability to do something, especially with the hands, precisely and expertly.
EXAMPLE
Sie reparierte die filigrane Uhr mit großem Geschick.
She repaired the delicate watch with great skill.
das Geschick
skill / fate
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Meanings
das Geschick
fate
The fate or predetermined course of a person's or thing's life. This meaning is rather elevated or literary.
EXAMPLE
Das Geschick des Unternehmens lag nun in den Händen der neuen Geschäftsführerin.
The fate of the company now lay in the hands of the new managing director.
Usage tips
Word family
'Geschick' (skill/fate) is closely related to the adjective 'geschickt' (skilled, capable). Both words derive from the verb 'schicken' (to send), which explains the second meaning 'Schicksal' (fate, something that is 'sent' to someone).
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein sehr geschickter Handwerker.
He is a very skilled craftsman.
Typical combinations
In the meaning 'Fähigkeit' (ability/skill), 'Geschick' (skill) is often combined with verbs such as 'haben' (to have), 'beweisen' (to prove/demonstrate), or 'zeigen' (to show). People also speak of 'handwerklichem Geschick' (manual skill) or 'diplomatischem Geschick' (diplomatic skill).
EXAMPLE
Für diese Bastelarbeit braucht man viel Geschick.
For this craft project, you need a lot of skill.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning 'Schicksal' (fate) from the context. It is used for the course of life of people, companies, or even countries. The meaning 'Fähigkeit' (ability/skill), on the other hand, usually refers to concrete actions.
EXAMPLE
Er nahm das Geschick seiner Familie selbst in die Hand.
He took the fate of his family into his own hands.
Register and style
The use of 'Geschick' in the sense of 'Schicksal' (fate) is rather elevated and is found more often in literature or formal speeches than in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Der Dichter schrieb über das tragische Geschick des Helden.
The poet wrote about the tragic fate of the hero.
Compare with
Geschick vs können
to be able to
„Können“ and „das Geschick“ can both describe a skilled craft performance. „Können“ refers to general mastery of an activity, while „Geschick“ particularly emphasizes precise, often manual execution. „Können“ is the better choice for the ability as a whole, while „Geschick“ is more suitable for precise handiwork.
Geschick
Beim Zusammensetzen der kleinen Holzteile zeigt Jonas viel Geschick.
Jonas shows a great deal of skill when assembling the small wooden pieces.
können
Jonas kann die kleinen Holzteile sicher zusammensetzen.
Jonas can safely assemble the small wooden pieces.
In real life
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