language skill
die Sprachkenntnis, die Sprachkenntnisse
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language skills
The ability to understand and use a particular language. It is very often used in the plural ('Sprachkenntnisse') to describe the entirety of a person's language abilities.
Für diese Stelle sind verhandlungssichere Englischkenntnisse erforderlich.
Business-fluent English skills are required for this position.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sprachkenntnisse |
| genitive | der Sprachkenntnis |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Sprachkenntnis | die Sprachkenntnisse |
| accusative | die Sprachkenntnis | die Sprachkenntnisse |
| dative | der Sprachkenntnis | den Sprachkenntnissen |
| genitive | der Sprachkenntnis | der Sprachkenntnisse |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
The word is made up of 'Sprache' (language) and 'Kenntnis' (knowledge). A 'Kenntnis' is knowledge about something, so the word literally describes knowledge of a language.
Gute Sprachkenntnisse sind in vielen Berufen ein großer Vorteil.
Good language skills are a major advantage in many professions.
Although there is a singular form, the word is almost always used in the plural 'Sprachkenntnisse' (language skills). This describes overall ability in one or more languages. The singular 'die Sprachkenntnis' (language skill) is rare and rather formal.
Bitte geben Sie Ihre Sprachkenntnisse im Lebenslauf an.
Please list your language skills on your resume.
Adjectives are often used to describe the level of ability. Typical combinations are: grundlegende, gute, fließende, verhandlungssichere, or perfekte Sprachkenntnisse (basic, good, fluent, business-fluent, or perfect language skills).
Für den Anfang reichen grundlegende Sprachkenntnisse.
Basic language skills are enough to start with.
To name the language in which someone has skills, you use the preposition 'in' followed by the dative. So you have Sprachkenntnisse in Deutsch, in Englisch, in Spanisch, etc. (language skills in German, in English, in Spanish, etc.).
Sie hat sehr gute Kenntnisse in der spanischen Sprache.
She has very good knowledge of the Spanish language.
German language skills
„Sprachkenntnisse“ and „Deutschkenntnisse“ both refer to the ability to understand and use a language. „Deutschkenntnisse“ specifies German, while „Sprachkenntnisse“ leaves the language unspecified. Use „Deutschkenntnisse“ when German is meant, and „Sprachkenntnisse“ when the language is clear from the context or is meant to remain open.
Für die Stelle sind gute Sprachkenntnisse wichtig, aber die Anzeige nennt keine bestimmte Sprache.
Good language skills are important for the position, but the advertisement does not name a specific language.
Für die Stelle sind gute Deutschkenntnisse wichtig, weil man mit Kunden in Deutschland spricht.
Good German language skills are important for the position because you speak with customers in Germany.
