How to Say “You’re Smart” in German

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du bist schlau
The English phrase "you're smart" is translated into German as du bist schlau.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they have a quick mind or are clever. Depending on the tone, Du bist schlau! can be used sincerely as a compliment or sarcastically to mean "You think you're so clever".

Which one should you use?

While schlau often implies being "street smart" or cunning, klug is a more neutral term for being intellectually intelligent.

How does it change in a sentence?

If you are speaking to a stranger, a superior or in a formal setting, use Sie sind schlau instead of du bist schlau.

Did you know?

  • The word schlau likely shares a root with a word meaning 'to crawl' or 'to slide'. This suggests that being 'smart' was originally associated with the ability to sneak or act clandestinely.

Examples in context

  • Du bist erstaunlich intelligent.
    You're amazingly intelligent.
  • Sie sind außergewöhnlich klug.
    You're exceptionally smart.
  • Du hast einen unglaublich scharfen Verstand.
    You have an incredibly sharp mind.

Example conversation

Hannah finds a solution to a difficult puzzle.

  1. Lukas

    Wie hast du das Rätsel gelöst?
    How did you solve the puzzle?
  2. Hannah

    Ich habe einfach das Muster gesehen.
    I just saw the pattern.
  3. Lukas

    Du bist schlau, Hannah!
    You're smart, Hannah!
  4. Hannah

    Danke für das Kompliment, Lukas.
    Thanks for the compliment, Lukas.

Sources

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Melanie Donna
Melanie DonnaHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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