German Conversation · Level 71
60 words
German word
Kompetenz
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔmpəˈtɛnt͡s/
Meaning
- feminine nounability
Example
Sie zeigt große Kompetenzen bei der Problemlösung.
She shows great ability in problem-solving.
More examples
In Bewerbungen betont sie ihre kommunikative Kompetenz.
In her applications, she emphasizes her communicative ability.
Core concept
A person or institution has a defined sphere in which the needed knowledge and skill support effective action.
Common phrases
kommunikative Kompetenz
communicative ability
berufliche Kompetenz
professional ability
soziale Kompetenz
social skills
Similar words
Kenntnisse: Collected information and facts about a specific field.
Erfahrung: Understanding developed through what has been experienced in the past.
Können: Skill in carrying out a task successfully.
Qualifikation: Training or credentials recognized as suitable for a job or role.
Definition in German
Kompetenz umfasst fachliches Wissen, praktische Fertigkeiten und die Fähigkeit, diese in konkreten Situationen angemessen anzuwenden.
Word origin
The German noun comes from Latin competentia and retains the older idea of suitability while naming developed ability or expertise.
Usage tips
- In administrative contexts, Kompetenz can mean a person's or body's area of responsibility or authority, not only personal skill.
Other meanings
- skillnoun
- authoritynoun
- expertisenoun
Opposites
- Inkompetenzincompetencenoun
- Unfähigkeitinabilitynoun
Related words
- kompetentcompetentadjective
- Kompetenzprofilcompetence profilenoun
- Kompetenzbereicharea of competencenoun