prodigy
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prodigy
A child who shows exceptional talent or ability in a particular area, such as music or mathematics, at a very young age.
Mozart galt schon als kleiner Junge als musikalisches Wunderkind.
Mozart was considered a musical prodigy even as a young boy.
The word is made up of 'Wunder' (miracle) and 'Kind' (child). So it literally describes a child who seems like a miracle because they are so exceptionally talented.
Mit nur zehn Jahren veröffentlichte sie ihren ersten Roman und gilt seitdem als Wunderkind.
At just ten years old, she published her first novel and has been considered a prodigy ever since.
'Wunderkind' (prodigy) is often used in the construction 'als Wunderkind gelten' (to be considered a prodigy) or together with the verb 'sein' (to be) to describe a person's special talent.
Er galt schon früh als Wunderkind am Klavier.
He was considered a piano prodigy from an early age.
The word is often combined with an adjective that indicates the area of talent. Common examples are 'musikalisches Wunderkind' (musical prodigy), 'Schach-Wunderkind' (chess prodigy), or 'mathematisches Wunderkind' (mathematical prodigy).
Die Presse feierte den jungen Geiger als neues musikalisches Wunderkind.
The press celebrated the young violinist as a new musical prodigy.
genius
Genie and Wunderkind can both refer to an exceptionally gifted child. Wunderkind emphasizes that the astonishing ability is already visible at a very young age; Genie highlights outstanding ability regardless of age. Use Wunderkind for the early age and Genie for the exceptional achievement.
Die zwölfjährige Pianistin ist ein Wunderkind und spielt schon schwierige Konzerte.
The twelve-year-old pianist is a prodigy and already plays difficult concerts.
Die zwölfjährige Pianistin ist ein Genie und spielt schon schwierige Konzerte.
The twelve-year-old pianist is a genius and already plays difficult concerts.
