01
vielseitig
versatile
Describes a person who has many different skills, talents, or interests.
example
Sie ist eine vielseitige Künstlerin, die malt, singt und schauspielert.
She is a versatile artist who paints, sings, and acts.
vielseitig
versatile
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
The adjective is made up of 'viel' (much/many) and 'Seite' (side). It literally describes a person or thing that has 'many sides', meaning many different talents or possible uses.
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein vielseitig interessierter Mensch.
He is a person with a wide range of interests.
Context clue
You can tell whether 'vielseitig' (versatile) refers to a person or a thing from the noun it describes. If it refers to a person, it means many talents. If it refers to a thing, it means many possible uses.
EXAMPLE
Mein neuer Mixer ist überraschend vielseitig.
My new blender is surprisingly versatile.
Typical collocations (person)
When 'vielseitig' (versatile) describes a person, it is often combined with participles like 'interessiert' (interested) or 'begabt' (talented). Common nouns are 'Künstler' (artist), 'Sportler' (athlete), or 'Talent' (talent).
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine vielseitig begabte Musikerin.
She is a versatile and talented musician.
Typical collocations (thing)
When 'vielseitig' (versatile) describes a thing, the combination 'vielseitig einsetzbar' (usable in many ways) is very common. It means that something can be used for many different purposes.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Software-Tool ist sehr vielseitig einsetzbar.
This software tool can be used in many different ways.
Compare with
vielseitig vs einseitig
one-sided
'einseitig' and 'vielseitig' are opposites when it comes to variety, skills, or possible uses. 'einseitig' means that something is limited to only a few things. This can be negative with food, training, or learning. 'vielseitig' means that someone has many skills or that something can be used in many ways. 'vielseitig' usually sounds positive because it shows breadth and variety.
vielseitig
Dieses Messer ist vielseitig und eignet sich zum Schneiden, Schälen und Öffnen.
This knife is versatile and is suitable for cutting, peeling, and opening things.
einseitig
Das Training war zu einseitig, deshalb bekam Paul Schmerzen im Rücken.
The training was too one-sided, so Paul developed back pain.
In real life
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