skillful / clever
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skillful
Able to carry something out with the hands or body in a dexterous and precise way; manually or physically talented.
Mit geschickten Händen faltete sie die winzigen Papierfiguren.
With skillful hands, she folded the tiny paper figures.
Although “geschickt” (skillful/clever) looks like the past participle of “schicken” (to send), its meaning has changed greatly. It derives from the older meaning “suitable” or “appropriate” and today no longer has anything to do with sending.
Der Handwerker war sehr geschickt und reparierte die Uhr schnell.
The craftsman was very skillful and repaired the clock quickly.
A distinction is made between physical and strategic skill. If it is about hands, crafts, or sports, physical skill is meant. If it is about questions, negotiations, or plans, cleverness is meant.
Der Chirurg braucht sehr geschickte Hände.
The surgeon needs very skillful hands.
In the sense of “klug” (smart/clever), “geschickt” is often used for strategic actions. Typical combinations are “ein geschickter Zug” (a clever move), “eine geschickte Taktik” (a clever tactic), or “eine geschickte Formulierung” (a clever wording).
Mit diesem geschickten Zug hat sie das Spiel für sich entschieden.
With this clever move, she decided the game in her favor.
“Geschickt” can also be used as an adverb to describe how an action is carried out. It then usually stands directly with the verb.
Er hat sich geschickt aus der unangenehmen Situation herausgeredet.
He cleverly talked his way out of the unpleasant situation.
smart / cunning
'schlau' and 'geschickt' can both mean that someone acts cleverly. 'schlau' more strongly emphasizes that someone understands quickly and finds a good solution. Sometimes it can also sound a bit cunning, when someone is looking for their own advantage. 'geschickt' can also mean clever or tactical, but very often it also describes physical or practical skill, for example with the hands. Learners may confuse the words because both can fit clever action. When it is about thinking and understanding, 'schlau' is usually more natural. When someone carries something out well or solves a situation tactically, 'geschickt' fits better.
Im Büro löste Lisa den Konflikt mit einer geschickten Frage.
At the office, Lisa resolved the conflict with a skillful question.
Nach dem Gespräch waren wir schlau genug, den Vertrag noch einmal zu prüfen.
After the conversation, we were smart enough to check the contract again.