klug
/kluːk/
The English word 'smart' can be translated into German using klug, intelligent or gescheit.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| klug | /kluːk/ /kluːx/ |
| intelligent | /ʔɪntɛliˈɡɛnt/ |
| gescheit | /ɡəˈʃaɪ̯t/ (Germany) /ɡeˈʃaɪ̯t/ |
These terms are used to describe someone exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books.
Which one should you use?
While klug is the standard term for smart, intelligent is used more specifically in formal, scientific or clinical contexts to describe cognitive ability. gescheit is a synonym that often implies a practical, common-sense kind of intelligence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, klug follows standard German adjective declension rules when placed before a noun, such as ein kluger Kopf for 'a smart head'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kluːk/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful with the word schlau. Although it can mean 'smart', it often carries a connotation of being 'cunning' or 'sly' that klug does not have.
Did you know?
- The word gescheit is closely related to the verb scheiden, which means 'to separate' or 'to distinguish'. It suggests that a smart person is someone who can effectively distinguish between things.
Examples in context
- Er ist sehr klug.He's very smart.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of klug with a third-person singular subject.Tatoeba #2343021 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2342356 by Hybrid
- Du bist sehr klug.You're quite smart.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of klug with a second-person singular subject.Tatoeba #926103 by Esperantostern, translation #519795 by CM
- Tom ist sehr klug.Tom is very smart.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of klug with a proper noun.Tatoeba #1938343 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1024757 by CK
- Er ist ein sehr intelligenter Mensch.He is a very intelligent person.
- Sie ist eine kluge Geschäftsfrau und trifft immer die richtigen Entscheidungen.She is a smart businesswoman and always makes the right decisions.
- Mein Bruder ist wirklich clever. Er findet immer Lösungen für jedes Problem.My brother is really smart, he always finds solutions to every problem.
- Du bist echt gescheit! Woher nimmst du deine Ideen?You are really smart! Where do you get your ideas from?
- 227 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Sarah are discussing a difficult puzzle.
- MaximilianIch kann die Lösung nicht finden.I cannot find the solution.
- SarahFrag Sarah, sie ist wirklich klug.Ask Sarah, she is really smart.
- MaximilianStimmt, sie liest so viele Bücher.That is true, she reads so many books.
- SarahGenau, sie hilft uns sicher.Exactly, she will surely help us.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “smart” translations and entries klug, intelligent, gescheit, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gescheit, intelligent, klug, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
