begabt sein

You use this phrase just like an adjective in English. The most common structure is [Person] ist [Bereich] begabt. You can specify the field. For example, use mathematisch begabt for math. Or use handwerklich begabt for someone good with their hands. If you want to use a preposition, use in followed by the Dativ case. You might say, Er ist in Sprachen sehr begabt. It is a very flexible phrase. You can use it to describe yourself, though Germans might find that a bit boastful. It is much more common to use it when praising others. You can also add intensifiers like sehr (very) or besonders (especially).

This phrase is perfect for many settings. Use it when talking to a friend about their new hobby. If they start painting and it looks like a masterpiece, tell them they are begabt. It is also very common in school or university contexts. Teachers use it in reports to highlight a student's strengths. In a job interview, you can use it to describe your core strengths. For example, Ich bin technisch begabt. It sounds professional and confident. You can even use it when texting a friend who just fixed your computer. It shows genuine appreciation for their skill.

Do not use begabt sein for things that are just luck. If your friend wins at poker by chance, they aren't begabt. They are just glücklich (lucky). Also, avoid using it for very basic tasks. You wouldn't say someone is begabt at drinking water or walking. It is reserved for skills that require some level of complexity. Be careful using it for yourself in casual conversation. It can come off as a bit arrogant. Instead, use Ich habe ein Talent für.... Also, don't confuse it with geschickt. While geschickt means 'skillful' or 'handy', begabt implies a deeper, innate talent.

Germans have a deep respect for 'Fleiß' (diligence) and 'Arbeit' (work). However, they also have a romantic fascination with the 'Wunderkind' (child prodigy). The word begabt comes from the root geben (to give). This reflects an old cultural idea that talents are gifts from a higher power or nature. In the German education system, there is a lot of focus on Begabtenförderung. This is special support for gifted students. While Germans might be modest about their own gifts, they are very observant of others' talents. Recognizing someone's Begabung is considered a high compliment.

You will often hear hochbegabt. This is specifically for people with a very high IQ or extreme talent. It is the word for 'highly gifted'. Another variation is vielbegabt. This describes a 'polymath' or someone good at many different things. If you want to say someone is not talented, you can say unbegabt. But be careful! That can be quite an insult. A more poetic version is begnadet. This literally means 'blessed' and is used for world-class artists or musicians. It is the highest level of praise you can give.