01
klug
clever
Intelligent and quick to understand; able to think, learn, and solve problems well.
example
Sie ist eine sehr kluge Schülerin mit ausgezeichneten Noten.
She is a very clever student with excellent grades.
klug
clever / wise
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
When 'klug' (clever) refers to a person, it means intelligent. When it refers to an action, an idea, or a decision, it means sensible or wise.
EXAMPLE
Mein Großvater ist ein sehr kluger Mann.
My grandfather is a very clever man.
Sentence structure and usage
A very common construction is 'es ist klug, etwas zu tun' (it is wise to do something). It is used to evaluate an action as sensible.
EXAMPLE
Es ist klug, sich vor einer langen Reise gut zu informieren.
It is wise to get well informed before a long trip.
Fixed expression
The expression 'aus jemandem/etwas nicht klug werden' means that one cannot understand a person or thing. It is always formed with the preposition 'aus' and the dative.
EXAMPLE
Ich lese den Text schon zum dritten Mal, aber ich werde daraus einfach nicht klug.
I'm reading the text for the third time, but I still simply can't make sense of it.
Compare with
klug vs dumm
stupid / unfortunate
'dumm' and 'klug' are opposites when talking about thinking or decisions. 'dumm' means that something shows little sense or has not been thought through well. 'klug' means that someone understands well, thinks carefully, or makes sensible decisions. For people, 'klug' describes the ability to think and learn. For actions, 'klug' fits especially when a decision is sensible and forward-looking.
klug
Er handelt klug, weil er vor dem Kauf erst die Preise vergleicht.
He is acting wisely because he compares the prices before buying.
dumm
Vor der Reise war es dumm, den Pass nicht noch einmal zu kontrollieren.
Before the trip, it was stupid not to check the passport again.
In real life
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