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.
long-distance view
The physical ability to see into the distance; a good and clear view of faraway objects.
Vom Gipfel des Berges hatten wir eine fantastische Weitsicht über das ganze Tal.
From the mountain summit, we had a fantastic long-distance view over the entire valley.
farsightedness
In ophthalmology, an alternative term for farsightedness (hyperopia), a condition in which nearby objects appear blurry.
Wegen seiner Weitsicht braucht er zum Lesen eine Brille.
Because of his farsightedness, he needs glasses for reading.
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.
foresight
Voraussicht and Weitsicht both describe wise thinking with the future in mind. Voraussicht is more about recognizing and preparing for specific events, while Weitsicht additionally expresses a far-reaching, wise perspective. Voraussicht fits immediate preparations, while Weitsicht is often used for long-term decisions.
Mit großer Weitsicht entschied sich die Stadt für einen langfristigen Ausbau des öffentlichen Verkehrs.
With great foresight, the city decided to expand public transportation over the long term.
Mit Voraussicht legte die Familie Geld zurück, weil sie bald höhere Ausgaben erwartete.
With foresight, the family put money aside because they expected higher expenses soon.
