01
die Klugheit
wisdom
The ability to make sound judgments and act sensibly through life experience and knowledge.
example
Mit großer Klugheit löste sie das komplizierte Problem.
With great wisdom, she solved the complicated problem.
die Klugheit
wisdom
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation
'Klugheit' (wisdom/prudence) is derived from the adjective 'klug' (clever, wise). The ending '-heit' is a typical German ending used to form an abstract feminine noun from an adjective, describing the quality itself.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Klugheit zeigte sich in der schnellen Lösung des Problems.
Her wisdom showed itself in the quick solution to the problem.
Typical collocations
'Klugheit' (wisdom/prudence) is often used to describe the manner of an action, usually with the preposition 'mit' (with), e.g. 'mit Klugheit handeln' (to act with wisdom). You can also say 'die Klugheit besitzen', etwas zu tun (to have the wisdom to do something).
EXAMPLE
Er handelte in dieser schwierigen Situation mit großer Klugheit.
He acted with great wisdom in this difficult situation.
Register
The word 'Klugheit' (wisdom/prudence) belongs more to written language or an elevated style. It emphasizes wisdom and thoughtful action based on experience.
EXAMPLE
Die Klugheit des alten Mannes wurde von allen bewundert.
The old man's wisdom was admired by everyone.
Compare with
Klugheit vs Verstand
mind / reason
'der Verstand' and 'die Klugheit' are closely related because both have to do with sensible thinking. 'Verstand' refers more to the ability to think, understand, and judge logically. 'Klugheit' refers more to someone making good decisions with knowledge and experience. Learners may confuse the words because clever people naturally use their Verstand. Still, the focus is different: Verstand is the ability to think, while Klugheit shows itself in acting in the right way.
Klugheit
Tara zeigte Klugheit, als sie vor dem Kauf noch einmal die Preise verglich.
Tara showed wisdom when she compared the prices once more before buying.
Verstand
Mein Freund hat viel Verstand, aber in Stresssituationen reagiert er manchmal zu schnell.
My friend has a lot of good sense, but in stressful situations he sometimes reacts too quickly.
In real life
Loading video examples...