scharfsinnig

shrewd, astute, sharp-witted

adjective SHARF-zi-nikh Rare

Also means

perceptive, incisive

Usage Note

Scharfsinnig (from scharfer Sinn = sharp perception) describes keen analytical thinking and the ability to spot what others miss. It is firmly positive and somewhat formal, often used to praise journalists, judges, or philosophers for incisive thinking.

Examples

"Ihr scharfsinniger Kommentar brachte das Kernproblem sofort auf den Punkt."

Natural Translation

Her astute comment immediately got to the heart of the problem.

Literal Translation

Her sharp-minded comment brought the core problem immediately to the point.

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