geistig

intellectual, mental

adjective GUYSE-tikh Rare

Also means

spiritual (in certain contexts)

Usage Note

Geistig can describe mental capacity (geistige Arbeit = intellectual work) or spiritual dimension (geistige Nahrung = spiritual nourishment). Context determines the sense; in evaluating character it usually means mentally sharp or mentally oriented.

Examples

"Sie schätzt geistig anspruchsvolle Gespräche mehr als Smalltalk."

Natural Translation

She values intellectually demanding conversations more than small talk.

Literal Translation

She values mentally demanding conversations more than small talk.

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