die  Kompetenz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/kɔmpɛˈtɛnts/

🧠 What does "die Kompetenz" mean?

Die Kompetenz is a feminine noun generally describing the ability, knowledge, or authority to do or decide something specific.

• Competence/Expertise: This refers to the knowledge, skills, and experience someone possesses in a particular field. Example: Sie hat eine hohe soziale Kompetenz. (She has high social competence.)
• Jurisdiction/Authority: This describes the official area of responsibility or decision-making power of a person or institution. Example: Das Gericht hat die Kompetenz in dieser Sache. (The court has jurisdiction in this matter.)

⚠️ Although often used in the singular, the plural "die Kompetenzen" can be used to refer to specific skills or areas of authority (e.g., Kernkompetenzen eines Unternehmens - core competencies of a company).

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of Kompetenz in Detail

"Kompetenz" is a feminine noun. The article is die.

Declension (Singular):

Declension (Plural):

The plural is "die Kompetenzen".

Example Sentences:

• Ihre fachliche Kompetenz ist unbestritten. (Her professional competence is undisputed.)
• Dem Ausschuss fehlt die Kompetenz, diese Entscheidung zu treffen. (The committee lacks the authority/jurisdiction to make this decision.)
• Wir müssen unsere digitalen Kompetenzen erweitern. (We need to expand our digital skills/competencies.)
• Die Abgrenzung der Kompetenzen zwischen Bund und Ländern ist klar geregelt. (The demarcation of responsibilities/competencies between the federal and state governments is clearly regulated.)

🗣️ How to use "Kompetenz"?

"Kompetenz" is frequently used in professional, educational, and legal contexts.

• Work & Education: Here, Kompetenz refers to the acquired skills and knowledge necessary for a task or profession (e.g., soziale Kompetenz - social competence, Fachkompetenz - professional expertise, Führungskompetenz - leadership skills). It describes a person's qualifications.
• Law & Administration: In this context, Kompetenz means the legal jurisdiction or authority of an agency, court, or person (e.g., Gesetzgebungskompetenz - legislative competence, Entscheidungskompetenz - decision-making authority). It's about who is responsible or allowed to decide.

Distinction: While Fähigkeit often describes an innate or basic ability, Kompetenz tends to emphasize acquired knowledge, expertise, and often formal authority.

💡 Mnemonics for Kompetenz

• Article Mnemonic: Nouns ending in "-enz" in German are typically feminine (like Konferenz, Präsenz, Intelligenz). Think: DIE excellENZ (excellence) has KompetENZ.

• Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone who is extremely competent making a grand entrance (Kompe-tenz). They know exactly what to do (skill) and have the authority (jurisdiction) – they possess Kompetenz.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Words like Macht (power) can be similar but often carry a different connotation (Macht often implies more influence than just authority).

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer keine soziale Kompetenz?
Weil er immer nur mit sich selbst spricht und ständig Fenster aufreißt, ohne zu fragen!

Translation:
Why does the computer have no social competence?
Because it only ever talks to itself and constantly opens windows without asking!

📜 Poem about Kompetenz

Die Kompetenz, ein starkes Wort,
Bringt Wissen an den rechten Ort.
Sie schafft Vertrauen, gibt die Kraft,
Was man mit Können erfolgreich schafft.
Ob Handwerk, Geist, ob hohe Kunst,
Ohne sie bleibt's oft nur Dunst.
Auch Zuständigkeit, klar und rein,
Fällt in ihren Bereich hinein.

Translation:
Competence, a powerful word,
Brings knowledge to the place preferred.
It builds trust, provides the might,
For what skill achieves with light.
Be it craft, or mind, or art so high,
Without it, things just pass you by.
Jurisdiction too, clear and clean,
Falls within its realm, it's seen.

❓ Riddle

Ich bin mal Fähigkeit, mal Recht,
Mal Wissen, tief und echt.
Im Beruf bin ich gefragt,
Beim Richter wird nach mir geklagt.
Man braucht mich, um zu führen,
Und Türen zu berühren,
Die and'ren sind verschlossen.
Wer bin ich, unverdrossen?

Lösung/Solution: die Kompetenz

Translation:
Sometimes I am ability, sometimes right,
Sometimes knowledge, deep and bright.
In professions, I am sought,
Before the judge, my lack is fought.
You need me to lead the way,
And touch the doors, come what may,
That are closed to others' quest.
Who am I, put to the test?

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Kompetenz" comes from the Latin word competentia, meaning "agreement," "suitability," or "authority." It derives from the verb competere ("to meet," "to be capable," "to be responsible/authorized").

Related Words:

• kompetent (adjective): competent, capable, expert, responsible
• Inkompetenz (noun): incompetence, inability
• inkompetent (adjective): incompetent, lacking authority