German word

Weisheit

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvaɪ̯sˌhaɪ̯t/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwisdom

Example

Viele Weisheiten in alten Sprichwörtern sind nützlich.

Many words of wisdom in old proverbs are useful.

Illustration for Weisheit (wisdom)

More examples

Die kollektive Weisheit der Gruppe führte zu einer schnellen Lösung.

The collective wisdom of the group led to a quick solution.

Core concept

A clear inner compass guides sound choices and appears in concise sayings that remain useful over time.

Common phrases

  • kollektive Weisheit

    collective wisdom

  • verborgene Weisheit

    hidden wisdom

Similar words

Vernunft: The capacity for sensible thought and judgment grounded in reason.
Klugheit: The skill of choosing and acting effectively in each situation.
Erfahrung: Knowledge or skill learned from direct involvement in events.
Einsicht: Understanding the essential meaning and causes behind something.

Definition in German

Weisheit ist die Fähigkeit, aus Erfahrung und überlegtem Urteil richtige und dauerhafte Entscheidungen zu treffen.

Word origin

The German noun Weisheit developed from Old High German wīsheit, a formation from wīs 'wise' with the quality-forming suffix -heit.

Usage tips

  • Weisheit is an abstract and somewhat elevated word, whereas klug and vernünftig more often describe a person's practical cleverness or sound judgment.

Opposites

  • Unvernunftirrationalitynoun

Related words

  • Volksweisheitfolk wisdomnoun
  • Weisheitsquellesource of wisdomnoun

Word lists with this word