das  Multitalent

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈmʊltiˌtaːlɛnt/

🌟 What exactly is a Multitalent?

Das Multitalent (neuter, noun) refers to a person who possesses an exceptionally large number of different gifts, abilities, or talents, often in various fields (e.g., Kunst [art], Wissenschaft [science], Sport [sports]).

It describes someone who is above average in multiple disciplines. It's generally a very positive term expressing admiration.

There is only the neuter article das for this word.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Multitalent

The word "Multitalent" is a noun of the neuter gender (Neutrum).

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

📝 Example Sentences

1. Leonardo da Vinci gilt als klassisches Beispiel für ein Multitalent.
   Leonardo da Vinci is considered a classic example of a multi-talented person.
2. Sie ist ein echtes Multitalent; sie singt, tanzt und malt hervorragend.
   She is a real multi-talent; she sings, dances, and paints excellently.
3. Wir suchen für unser Team ein Multitalent mit technischen und kreativen Fähigkeiten.
   We are looking for a multi-talented person with technical and creative skills for our team.
4. Die Begabung des Multitalents war unübersehbar.
   The talent of the multi-talented person was obvious.
5. Wir applaudierten dem Multitalent nach seiner Vorstellung.
   We applauded the multi-talented person after their performance.

💡 How to Use 'Multitalent'

The term 'Multitalent' is used to express recognition and admiration for a person's diverse abilities. It is applied in many contexts:

• Berufsleben (Professional life): Describing employees or applicants with a broad skill set.
• Kunst & Kultur (Arts & Culture): Referring to artists who excel in multiple art forms (e.g., an actor who also directs and writes screenplays).
• Alltagssprache (Everyday language): General term for someone who can do many things well.

The word has a strong positive connotation. It is rarely used ironically, but excessive use can easily sound overly flattering.

Comparison: While a Spezialist or Experte (specialist, expert) has deep knowledge in one area, das Multitalent is characterized by the breadth and diversity of skills. An Alleskönner (all-rounder, jack-of-all-trades) is similar but sometimes sounds a bit more colloquial or slightly exaggerated.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Here are a couple of ideas to help remember 'das Multitalent':

For the article 'das': Imagine das Thing (from Fantastic Four, neuter in concept) having MULTIple TALENTs. Or think of das Phenomenon (neuter) of a multi-gifted person. Since 'Talent' itself is 'das Talent', maybe the 'Multi' part doesn't change the gender: still das.

For the meaning: Break down the word: Multi means 'many' (like in multi-purpose) and Talent is the same in English. So, a 'Multitalent' has many talents.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Words like Dilettant (dilettante) describe someone who engages in something without professional mastery and are not direct opposites, but can stand in contrast.

😄 A Little Joke

Frage: Warum ist das Multitalent beim Versteckspielen unschlagbar?
Antwort: Weil es sich gleichzeitig hinter dem Vorhang, unter dem Tisch und im Schrank verstecken kann!

Question: Why is the multi-talented person unbeatable at hide-and-seek?
Answer: Because they can hide behind the curtain, under the table, and in the closet all at the same time!

📜 Poem about the Multitalent

Ein Pinselstrich, ein kluger Satz,
(A brushstroke, a clever sentence,)
Ein Lied erklingt am rechten Platz.
(A song sounds in the right place.)
Es kocht, es schraubt, es programmiert,
(It cooks, it screws, it programs,)
Hat viele Gaben konzentriert.
(Has concentrated many gifts.)
Nicht nur ein Fach, nicht eine Kunst,
(Not just one subject, not one art,)
Es glänzt durch breit gefächerte Brunst.
(It shines through wide-ranging passion/ardor.)
Wer so viel kann, so viel versteht,
(Who can do so much, understand so much,)
Das Multitalent durchs Leben geht.
(The multi-talent goes through life.)

❓ Who or What am I?

Ich kann singen, tanzen, malen,
(I can sing, dance, paint,)
Muss mich nicht mit einer Fähigkeit quälen.
(Don't have to struggle with just one skill.)
Ich reparier' das Rad, schreib' Software-Code,
(I fix the bike, write software code,)
Bin selten in Fähigkeits-Not.
(Am seldom in need of a skill.)
Man nennt mich oft Alleskönner,
(People often call me an all-rounder,)
Bin vieler Künste Gönner.
(Am a patron of many arts.)

Wer bin ich? (Who am I?)

Solution: Das Multitalent

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition

The word 'Multitalent' is a compound word (Kompositum), composed of:

• Multi-: A prefix from Latin meaning 'many' or 'multiple'.
• Talent: A noun meaning a special aptitude or skill (Begabung or Fähigkeit).

Together, it signifies 'multiple talents' or a person possessing them.

Gender Note

Although 'Multitalent' usually refers to a person (who can be male or female), the word in German is neuter: das Multitalent. If you want to explicitly emphasize the gender, you need to rephrase, e.g., "Er ist ein Multitalent" (He is a multi-talent) or "Sie ist ein Multitalent" (She is a multi-talent).