klüger
The German phrase for smarter is klüger.
klüger is used to describe someone who has more intelligence or knowledge than another person.
Which one should you use?
klüger is the comparative form of the adjective klug, which means smart.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the comparative form to say someone is smarter than someone else, use the construction klüger als. To express the superlative degree, meaning 'the smartest', use the construction am klügsten.
Did you know?
- The adjective klug can be used in the phrase klugscheißen, a vulgar verb meaning to 'smart-poop' or act like a condescending know-it-all.
- Because klüger is a comparative adjective, it can be used as a noun (der Klügere) to refer to 'the smarter person'. In the proverb der Klügere gibt nach, it means 'the smarter person gives in' to avoid a pointless fight.
- While English speakers use 'smart' to mean both clever and well-dressed, Germans use klug strictly for intelligence and would use schick or elegant for appearance.
Examples in context
- Sie ist klüger als er.She is smarter than he is.This sentence demonstrates the use of klüger to compare a female subject to a male subject.Tatoeba #909872 by Esperantostern, translation #372048 by saeb
- Du bist klüger als er.You're smarter than him.This sentence shows how to use klüger when addressing someone directly in a comparison.Tatoeba #8449448 by bzvbzy, translation #3907736 by CH
- Du bist klüger als ich.You're smarter than I am.This sentence illustrates the comparative form klüger when comparing a subject to oneself.Tatoeba #1909227 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1895575 by CK
- Die Präsentation des Kollegen war sehr klug und gut durchdacht.The colleague's presentation was very smart and well-thought-out.
- Mein Bruder ist echt schlau, er findet immer eine Lösung für alles.My brother is really smart, he always finds a solution for everything.
- eine kluge FrauA smart woman
- kluge MännerSmart men
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are discussing a difficult riddle.
- SarahIch glaube, ich bin klüger als du.I think I am smarter than you.
- MaximilianDas stimmt nicht, Sarah!That's not true, Sarah!
- SarahWer die Antwort zuerst findet, ist klüger.Whoever finds the answer first is smarter.
- MaximilianOkay, Maximilian nimmt die Herausforderung an.Okay, Maximilian accepts the challenge.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
