schlau
smart
Intelligent, clever, and able to understand situations quickly and find advantageous solutions.
EXAMPLE
Es war schlau von dir, die Tickets schon im Voraus zu buchen.
It was smart of you to book the tickets in advance.
schlau
smart / cunning
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Meanings
schlau
cunning
Acting in a sly or clever way in order to gain an advantage for oneself; crafty.
EXAMPLE
Der schlaue Fuchs hat die Gänse aus dem Stall gelockt.
The cunning fox lured the geese out of the stable.
schlau werden aus
to make sense of
To understand or grasp a person or thing. Often used in negative sentences.
EXAMPLE
Aus dieser komplizierten Anleitung werde ich einfach nicht schlau.
I simply can't make sense of these complicated instructions.
Usage tips
Context clue
The meaning of 'schlau' (smart/cunning) depends on the context. If it refers to a clever, helpful idea, it is meant positively. If it describes an action that gives someone an advantage in a sly way, it has a slightly negative, crafty meaning.
EXAMPLE
Das war eine schlaue Antwort auf eine schwierige Frage.
That was a smart answer to a difficult question.
Fixed expression
The expression 'aus jemandem/etwas schlau werden' (to make sense of someone/something) means to understand someone or something. It is almost always used in negative sentences or in questions and is fixed with the preposition 'aus'.
EXAMPLE
Ich werde aus diesem neuen Kollegen einfach nicht schlau.
I simply can't make sense of this new colleague.
Typical collocations
In its positive meaning, 'schlau' (smart) is often connected with intellectual achievements or clever solutions. Typical combinations are 'eine schlaue Idee' (a smart idea), 'ein schlauer Plan' (a smart plan), or 'ein schlauer Kopf' (a smart person).
EXAMPLE
Sie gilt als schlauer Kopf und wird oft um Rat gefragt.
She is considered a smart person and is often asked for advice.
Compare with
schlau vs klug
clever / wise
Schlau and klug both describe a person or solution with good understanding and quick ideas. Klug tends to emphasize sensible, forward-looking judgment, while schlau can also suggest practical skill or a certain degree of cunning. Klug is a better fit for a well-considered decision, while schlau is more suitable for a resourceful or self-serving way out.
schlau
Sie fand einen schlauen Weg, die Aufgabe schnell zu lösen, ohne ihre eigene Zeit zu verlieren.
She found a smart way to solve the task quickly without wasting her own time.
klug
Es war klug, vor der Entscheidung alle wichtigen Informationen zu prüfen.
It was wise to check all the important information before making the decision.
In real life
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