competent
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competent
Having the ability, knowledge, or skill to carry out a task successfully and expertly; capable and qualified.
Wir haben eine sehr kompetente Ärztin, die uns immer gut berät.
We have a very competent doctor who always gives us good advice.
The adjective 'kompetent' (competent) belongs to the noun 'die Kompetenz' (competence). When a person is 'kompetent' (competent), they have competence in a specific area.
Für diese Position suchen wir jemanden mit hoher sozialer Kompetenz.
For this position, we are looking for someone with a high level of social competence.
To name the area in which someone is competent, you use the preposition 'in' followed by the dative. This construction is very common.
Unser Anwalt ist in juristischen Fragen sehr kompetent.
Our lawyer is very competent in legal matters.
'Kompetent' (competent) is often used to describe people in professional roles or their work. Common combinations are 'kompetenter Mitarbeiter' (competent employee), 'kompetente Beratung' (competent advice), or 'kompetente Antwort' (competent answer).
Ich war mit der kompetenten Beratung sehr zufrieden.
I was very satisfied with the competent advice.
The word 'kompetent' (competent) is mainly used in professional, official, or more formal contexts. It sounds more objective and specific than, for example, 'gut' (good).
Die Bewerberin hinterließ einen sehr kompetenten Eindruck.
The applicant made a very competent impression.
to learn / experience
'erfahren' and 'kompetent' can both describe a person who can handle a task well. In the relevant use here, 'erfahren' means that someone has learned through a lot of practice and many situations. 'kompetent' puts more emphasis on someone having the necessary knowledge and skills and acting expertly. An experienced person is often also competent, but not always. 'erfahren' looks more at the path and the practice, while 'kompetent' looks more at the ability in the moment.
Die Mitarbeiterin am Schalter war freundlich und kompetent.
The employee at the counter was friendly and competent.
Nora fragt den erfahrenen Gärtner, welche Pflanzen im Schatten wachsen.
Nora asks the experienced gardener which plants grow in the shade.