fortune / ability
Loading your saved state.
fortune
The total financial assets of a person or organization, including money, real estate, and other valuables.
Er hat durch kluge Investitionen ein beachtliches Vermögen aufgebaut.
He built up a considerable fortune through smart investments.
ability
The mental or physical ability to do something; the capacity or potential.
Sie besitzt das Vermögen, komplexe Sachverhalte einfach zu erklären.
She has the ability to explain complex issues simply.
'Das Vermögen' (fortune/ability) is the nominalization of the verb 'vermögen', which means 'to be able to' or 'to be capable of'. This explains both meanings: financial 'power' (m01) and mental 'ability' (m02).
Er vermag es, Menschen zu begeistern.
He is able to inspire people.
In a financial context, 'Vermögen' (fortune/assets) is often combined with verbs such as 'erben' (to inherit), 'ansammeln' (to accumulate), 'verwalten' (to manage), or 'verlieren' (to lose). The phrase 'ein Vermögen kosten' means that something is very expensive.
Dieses Auto hat ein Vermögen gekostet!
This car cost a fortune!
In the meaning of 'Fähigkeit' (ability), 'das Vermögen' is often followed by a 'zu + infinitive' construction. This describes what the ability consists of.
Er besitzt das seltene Vermögen, wirklich zuzuhören.
He has the rare ability to truly listen.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about money, inheritance, or possessions, financial 'Vermögen' (fortune/assets) is meant. If it is about mental or physical abilities, it refers to a person's potential.
Er hat sein Vermögen durch den Börsencrash verloren.
He lost his fortune in the stock market crash.
money
Both words can refer to a person's financial resources or possessions. „Geld“ usually means financial resources that someone owns or spends. „Vermögen“ refers to a person's total financial assets and can include real estate and other valuables as well as money. Use „Geld“ for spending and „Vermögen“ for total assets.
Nach dem Verkauf umfasste ihr Vermögen auch die Wohnung und andere Wertgegenstände.
After the sale, her assets also included the apartment and other valuables.
Nach dem Verkauf hatte sie genug Geld für die Reise.
After the sale, she had enough money for the trip.
