Also means
cleverness
Usage Note
Klugheit covers both practical intelligence and moral prudence. In classical virtue ethics (Klugheit = phronesis), it is the ability to judge what is right in a given situation. Everyday German also uses it to mean simple cleverness.
Examples
"Klugheit bedeutet, die richtigen Fragen zu stellen."
Natural Translation
Prudence means asking the right questions.
Literal Translation
Prudence means, the right questions to ask.

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Related Words
- Aufopferungsbereitschaft willingness to sacrifice oneself, self-sacrificing spirit
- Aufopferungsgeist spirit of self-sacrifice, selfless dedication
- Beherztheit boldness, pluck, spirited courage
- Charakterfestigkeit strength of character, moral firmness
- Charakterstärke strength of character
- Edelmut magnanimity, noble-mindedness
- Ehrenhaftigkeit honourableness, integrity of honour
- Eigenständigkeit autonomy
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