foresight / long-distance view / farsightedness
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foresight
The ability to anticipate future developments and act wisely and with planning; foresight.
Die Entscheidung, früh in erneuerbare Energien zu investieren, zeugte von großer Weitsicht.
The decision to invest early in renewable energy showed great foresight.
The word is made up of 'weit' (far) and 'Sicht' (view/sight). The literal meaning 'weite Sicht' (wide view) is the basis for all meanings: the ability to see into the distance and the figurative ability to 'see' into the future.
Ihre Weitsicht bei der Planung hat dem Unternehmen geholfen.
Her foresight in planning helped the company.
The context helps distinguish the meanings. If it is about planning and wise decisions, foresight is meant. With landscapes and mountains, it refers to the good view. In connection with eyes, reading, and glasses, it refers to the visual impairment.
Die Chefin bewies politische Weitsicht.
The boss showed political foresight.
In the figurative meaning 'Voraussicht' (foresight), the word is often used with verbs such as 'beweisen' (to prove/show), 'zeigen' (to show), or in the fixed phrase 'von Weitsicht zeugen' (to testify to/show foresight).
Mit dieser Investition hat er unternehmerische Weitsicht bewiesen.
With this investment, he showed entrepreneurial foresight.
When referring to physical visibility, 'Weitsicht' (long-distance view) is often accompanied by adjectives such as 'fantastisch' (fantastic), 'klar' (clear), 'gut' (good), or 'ungetrübt' (unobstructed).
Nach dem Regen hatten wir eine besonders klare Weitsicht auf die Alpen.
After the rain, we had a particularly clear long-distance view of the Alps.
The medical meaning is often made clear by the context of reading or the need for visual aid. A typical formulation is 'wegen seiner/ihrer Weitsicht eine Brille brauchen' (to need glasses because of his/her farsightedness).
Wegen meiner Weitsicht kann ich kleine Schrift ohne Brille nicht mehr lesen.
Because of my farsightedness, I can no longer read small print without glasses.
caution
'die Vorsicht' and 'die Weitsicht' can both describe wise action. 'Vorsicht' means that you avoid risks and pay attention to possible dangers. 'Weitsicht' means that you think long-term and recognize future consequences. The words can be confused because cautious people often also plan wisely. Still, the focus is different: Vorsicht asks, “What can go wrong now?”; Weitsicht asks, “What will be important later?”
Mit großer Weitsicht plante mein Vater schon früh Geld für die Ausbildung der Kinder ein.
With great foresight, my father planned early to set aside money for the children's education.
Luisa trägt aus Vorsicht einen Helm, wenn sie mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit fährt.
Out of caution, Luisa wears a helmet when she rides her bike to work.