schlagfertig

quick-witted

adjective SHLAHK-fer-tikh Rare

Also means

ready with a retort

Usage Note

schlagfertig literally 'ready to strike', describes someone with quick verbal comebacks, as in eine schlagfertige Antwort. It praises mental speed in conversation rather than physical readiness.

Examples

"Auf jede Frage hatte sie eine schlagfertige Antwort."

Natural Translation

She had a quick-witted answer to every question.

Literal Translation

To every question had she a quick-witted answer.

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