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schlagfertig
quick-witted
Having the ability to react quickly, wittily, and aptly to a comment or situation.
example
Sie ist für ihre schlagfertigen Antworten in Diskussionen bekannt.
She is known for her quick-witted replies in discussions.
schlagfertig
quick-witted
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The word consists of 'Schlag' (as in 'ein Schlag' — a blow) and 'fertig' (ready). So, figuratively speaking, a 'schlagfertige' (quick-witted) person is 'ready to strike back verbally' — they can answer quickly and aptly.
EXAMPLE
Mit seiner schlagfertigen Art findet er immer die richtigen Worte.
With his quick-witted manner, he always finds the right words.
Use as an adverb
'Schlagfertig' (quick-witted) can describe not only a person (adjectivally), but also the manner of an action (adverbially). In that case, it usually stands directly with the verb.
EXAMPLE
Auf die freche Frage hat er schlagfertig geantwortet.
He gave a quick-witted reply to the cheeky question.
Typical collocations
'Schlagfertig' (quick-witted) is often combined with verbs of speaking and reacting. Typical phrases are 'schlagfertig antworten' (to answer quick-wittedly), 'schlagfertig reagieren' (to react quick-wittedly), or 'schlagfertig kontern' (to counter quick-wittedly).
EXAMPLE
In der Debatte konnte sie auf jeden Einwand schlagfertig reagieren.
In the debate, she was able to react quick-wittedly to every objection.
Compare with
schlagfertig vs witzig
funny
'witzig' and 'schlagfertig' can both have to do with humor in a conversation. 'witzig' generally describes that a person, a sentence, or a situation is funny. 'schlagfertig' describes a particular ability: someone responds quickly, appropriately, and often wittily to a comment. Learners may confuse the words because a quick-witted reply is often funny. But not everything funny is 'schlagfertig'. A film can be 'witzig', but not 'schlagfertig'. A person is 'schlagfertig' when they find a good reply at the right moment.
schlagfertig
Felix ist schlagfertig und hat in Diskussionen sofort eine passende Antwort.
Felix is quick-witted and always has an appropriate answer ready in discussions.
witzig
Wir fanden die kleine Szene im Theater besonders witzig.
We found the little scene in the theater especially funny.
In real life
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