The ability to find, analyze, critically evaluate, and create media and their content. It includes the conscious and responsible handling of different media formats.
example
In der Schule lernen Kinder heute früh, Medienkompetenz zu entwickeln, um Falschnachrichten zu erkennen.
In school today, children learn early on to develop media literacy in order to recognize fake news.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is composed of 'Medien' (media, plural of Medium) and 'Kompetenz' (competence, ability, knowledge). So it describes the ability to handle media competently.
EXAMPLE
Medienkompetenz ist eine Schlüsselqualifikation im 21. Jahrhundert.
Media literacy is a key qualification in the 21st century.
Typical verbs
'Medienkompetenz' (media literacy) is often combined with verbs that describe a learning or development process. Typical collocations are 'Medienkompetenz erwerben' (to acquire media literacy), 'fördern' (to promote), or 'stärken' (to strengthen).
EXAMPLE
Die Schule soll die Medienkompetenz der Schülerinnen und Schüler fördern.
The school should promote the media literacy of its students.
Use without a plural
As an abstract term for an ability, 'Medienkompetenz' (media literacy) is normally used only in the singular. It describes the concept as a whole and is not countable.
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Job ist eine hohe Medienkompetenz erforderlich.
A high level of media literacy is required for this job.