German word

tüchtig

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈtʏçtɪç/

Meaning

  • adjectivecapable

Example

Er ist ein tüchtiger Kollege.

He is a capable colleague.

Illustration for tüchtig (capable)

More examples

Für dieses Projekt suchten sie eine tüchtige Fachkraft.

For this project, they were looking for a capable professional.

Core concept

A dependable worker combines practical skill with the energy to carry a job through properly.

Common phrases

  • tüchtige Fachkraft

    capable professional

  • tüchtiger Partner

    capable partner

Similar words

kompetent: Possessing the abilities and judgment expected in a specific field.
zuverlässig: Acting dependably by honoring commitments and following through.
gewissenhaft: Performing duties with care, precision, and a strong sense of responsibility.
gründlich: Working through every detail with care and thoroughness.

Definition in German

Kompetent und praktisch veranlagt; jemand, der Aufgaben zuverlässig erledigt.

Word origin

The German adjective tüchtig developed from older Germanic forms related to taugen, so its historical sense centered on being useful, suitable, or able to do something well.

Usage tips

  • The word can praise either ability or effort, so a tüchtiger Kollege may be understood as highly competent, notably hardworking, or both depending on context.

Other meanings

  • hardworkingadjective
  • excellentadjective

Opposites

  • untüchtigincompetentadjective

Related words

  • Tüchtigkeitcompetencenoun

Word lists with this word