das  Vermögen

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/fɛɐ̯ˈmøːɡn̩/

💰 What exactly is "das Vermögen"?

The German word das Vermögen (noun, neuter) primarily has two meanings:

1. Assets and Wealth: This refers to the total material and immaterial possessions of a person, company, or organization. It includes money, real estate, stocks, valuables, etc. 🏦 It's often used in a financial or legal context.
2. Ability and Faculty: This meaning relates to the mental or physical ability or potential to do something. It's the power or gift to perform a certain action. 💪🧠 It often refers to inherent capabilities.

Although both meanings use the same word and the same article (das), the context will usually clarify which one is intended.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Deep Dive: das Vermögen

Das Vermögen is a noun of neuter gender (sächliches Geschlecht). It follows the strong declension pattern.

🚨 The plural form "die Vermögen" is rarely used. When it appears, it usually refers to different types of assets or the fortunes of multiple people.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - Rare

Example Sentences

• Meaning 'Assets': Sein Vermögen wird auf mehrere Millionen Euro geschätzt.
  (His assets are estimated at several million euros.)
• Meaning 'Assets': Die Verwaltung des Vermögens erfordert Fachkenntnisse.
  (The administration of the assets requires expertise.)
• Meaning 'Ability': Sie besitzt das Vermögen, andere zu begeistern.
  (She possesses the ability to inspire others.)
• Meaning 'Ability': Nach dem Unfall war sein geistiges Vermögen eingeschränkt.
  (After the accident, his mental faculties were impaired.)

🗣️ How to use "Vermögen"?

The usage of das Vermögen depends heavily on the context:

• In a financial context: Here, it almost always refers to material wealth (money, stocks, real estate). Common phrases include "Vermögen aufbauen" (to build wealth), "Vermögen verwalten" (to manage assets), "steuerpflichtiges Vermögen" (taxable assets). It's a more formal term than just "Geld" (money) or "Besitz" (possessions). Don't confuse it with der Besitz (possession, can be more specific) or der Reichtum (wealth, often more emphasized).
• In the context of abilities: Here, it refers to an inherent or acquired capability. Often used in phrases like "nach bestem Wissen und Vermögen" (to the best of one's knowledge and ability) or "geistiges Vermögen" (mental faculties). It often sounds a bit more elevated or formal than die Fähigkeit (ability) or das Können (skill/ability). Example: "Das menschliche Sprachvermögen ist faszinierend." (The human capacity for language is fascinating.)

⚠️ Pay close attention to the context to determine the correct meaning.

🧠 Mnemonics for "das Vermögen"

Mnemonic for the Article (das):

Think of das Geld (money) and das Potenzial (potential) – both are abstract, neutral concepts, matching das Vermögen. It's neither masculine (der) nor feminine (die), but something collective or abstract.

Mnemonic for the Meanings:

The verb "vermögen" means "to be able to / capable of". If you are *able* (vermagst) to do much, you might gain much *Vermögen* (wealth). Both meanings stem from the idea of *capability* – the *ability* to act, and the financial *assets* that *enable* you to do things.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

Similar words (Caution!):

• Die Vermögung: (obsolete or very specific term for tax assessment) - Do not confuse with Vermögen.
• Vermögenswerte: (Assets) - More concrete term for individual components of wealth.

😂 A Little Joke

Richter: "Haben Sie ein Vermögen?"
Angeklagter: "Nein, Herr Richter, nur Schulden – aber dafür sehr alte und treue!"

Judge: "Do you have any assets (Vermögen)?"
Defendant: "No, Your Honor, only debts – but very old and loyal ones!"

📜 Poem about das Vermögen

Das Vermögen, zweierlei Gestalt,
\Mal Reichtum, glänzend, kalt,
\Mal Kraft des Geistes, hell und klar,
\Was man vermag, wird offenbar.

Das eine zählt man, misst und wiegt,
\Das andre tief im Herzen liegt.
\Doch wahres Glück, das sei gesagt,
\Ist nicht nur, was die Börse jagt,
\Sondern das inn're Können auch,
\Ein reicher Geist, ein guter Brauch.

(Translation)

Assets (Vermögen), of twofold shape,
Sometimes wealth, gleaming, cold escape,
Sometimes the spirit's power, bright and clear,
What one can do, becomes quite dear.

One counts and measures, weighs with care,
The other lies deep in the heart's lair.
But true happiness, let it be told,
Is not just what the markets hold,
But also inner skill and might,
A wealthy spirit, custom right.

❓ Riddle

Ich kann Geld sein, Land und Haus,
\Doch auch die Kraft, die füllt dich aus.
\Man kann mich schätzen, groß und klein,
\Ich kann materiell, doch auch im Geiste sein.

Was bin ich?
... Das Vermögen

(Translation)

I can be money, land, and house,
But also the power that fills your brows.
I can be valued, large and small,
I can be material, or in spirit stand tall.

What am I?
... Das Vermögen (Assets / Ability)

🧩 Additional Information

Word Origin (Wortherkunft):

The word "Vermögen" derives from the Old High German verb "fir-, far-mugan", meaning "to be able to, to be capable of, to have power". The nominalization "das Vermögen" developed both meanings from this: the ability (das Können) and that which one has acquired through one's ability or power (Besitz - possessions).

Interesting Phrase:

The phrase "nach bestem Vermögen handeln" means "to act to the best of one's ability".