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Geistesgegenwart

presence of mind

noun GUY-stes-gay-gen-vart Less Common
Mind & Emotions Mental States

Also means

quick-wittedness

Usage Note

Geistesgegenwart is the ability to react quickly and sensibly in a crisis, joining Geist (mind) and Gegenwart (presence). It has no plural. The adjective is geistesgegenwärtig.

Examples

"Nur seiner Geistesgegenwart war es zu verdanken, dass nichts passierte."

Natural Translation

It was only thanks to his presence of mind that nothing happened.

Literal Translation

Only his presence-of-mind was it to thank, that nothing happened.

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