fortune / ability
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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.
'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
'das Geld' and 'das Vermögen' both have to do with financial means. 'Geld' means the means of payment itself or a sum of money that you can spend. 'Vermögen' means the total financial assets of a person or organization, so not just money, but also houses, land, or other valuable things, for example. The words can be confused because a fortune often also includes money. In everyday situations involving paying or saving, you usually say 'Geld'. When it is about total possessions and wealth, 'Vermögen' is more precise.
Sein Vermögen besteht nicht nur aus Geld, sondern auch aus zwei Wohnungen.
His fortune consists not only of money, but also of two apartments.
Sie spart jeden Monat etwas Geld für den Urlaub.
She saves some money every month for her vacation.