German word

klug

Pronunciation

IPA/kluːk/

Meaning

  • adjectiveclever

Example

Du bist klug.

You are clever.

Illustration for klug (clever)

More examples

Sie hat eine kluge Entscheidung getroffen.

She made a clever decision.

Core concept

A person weighs the options carefully and chooses a sound solution.

Common phrases

  • sehr klug

    very clever

  • klug aussehen

    look clever

  • eine kluge Entscheidung

    a clever decision

Similar words

schlau: Able to use cunning or quick thinking to get out of difficult situations.
clever: Quick-witted and able to solve problems efficiently.
intelligent: Having strong intellectual ability and learning or understanding things logically.
weise: Calm and sound in judgment, based on experience and deep reflection.

Definition in German

Vernünftig denkend und bei Entscheidungen gute, überlegte Lösungen findend.

Word origin

Klug developed from Old High German kluog through Middle High German kluoc into the modern German form.

Usage tips

  • Klug often describes sensible judgment or advice, whereas schlau more readily suggests clever tactics or craftiness.

Other meanings

  • intelligentadjective
  • wiseadjective

Opposites

  • dummstupidadjective
  • törichtfoolishadjective

Related words

  • Klugheitclevernessnoun
  • klugerweisewiselyadverb

Word lists with this word