Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| weise | /ˈvaɪ̯zə/ |
| klug | /kluːk/ /kluːx/ |
Both terms describe showing good judgement, but they are applied to different types of intelligence. Klug is a common translation for wise and is used to describe practical intelligence, cleverness or making smart decisions. For example, an informal way to say someone is very smart is to use the phrase Klug wie ein Fuchs, which means smart as a fox.
Which one should you use?
The main difference lies in the depth of the wisdom being described. Weise often implies a deep, philosophical or sagely wisdom. In contrast, klug is the more common, everyday term used when someone is smart or makes a wise decision in a practical sense.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria and Austria, the informal term gscheit is used to convey the meaning of wise.
How does it change in a sentence?
Klug is a strong adjective that does not end in -e in its uninflected form. This differs from weise, which often takes an -e ending in its base form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈvaɪ̯zə/
Did you know?
- While klug describes intelligence, the German language has a specific noun Klugscheißer to describe a 'know-it-all'. It literally translates to 'smart-shitter', turning a positive trait into a vulgar insult.
- In German, the word weise can also function as an adverb meaning 'in a certain way'. This means a sentence could technically use the same word to describe both a 'wise' person and the 'manner' in which they speak.
- The word weise is used in the term Weisheit, but it also shares a root with weisen, which means 'to point' or 'to show'. This suggests a historical link between having wisdom and being able to show the way.
Examples in context
- Tom sah klug aus.Tom looked wise.This sentence shows how to use klug to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #6615071 by Felixjp, translation #5422650 by CK
- Wäre das denn klug?Would that be wise?This sentence uses klug to question the wisdom of an action.Tatoeba #2778300 by brauchinet, translation #2777569 by CK
- Du bist sehr weise.You're very wise.This sentence demonstrates the use of weise to describe a person's character.Tatoeba #8885283 by wolfgangth, translation #2218505 by CK
- Er ist ein kluger Mann.He is a wise man.
- Der Philosoph hat eine weise Antwort gegeben.The philosopher gave a wise answer.
- Er ist klug wie ein Fuchs und findet immer eine Lösung.He is wise like a fox and always finds a solution.
- Er ist ein weitblickender Mann und kann die Folgen abschätzen.He is a wise man and can assess the consequences.
- 150 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing a life lesson.
- JuliaWas hat dein Großvater dir gesagt?What did your grandfather tell you?
- MaximilianEr war ein weiser Mann.He was a wise man.
- JuliaUnd was war sein Rat?And what was his advice?
- MaximilianEr sagte, ich solle geduldig sein.He told me to be patient.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “wise” translations and entries weise, klug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
