die  Leistungsfähigkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈlaɪstʊŋsˌfɛːɪçkaɪt/

💡 What does "die Leistungsfähigkeit" mean?

Die Leistungsfähigkeit describes the capacity, capability, or efficiency of a person, machine, system, or organization to perform a specific task or function effectively. It refers to the potential and the level at which something operates or performs.

Because the word ends in -keit, it is feminine and takes the article "die".

Examples of contexts:

• Die Leistungsfähigkeit eines Sportlers (an athlete's performance/capability - physical/mental)
• Die Leistungsfähigkeit eines Computers (a computer's performance/processing power - technical)
• Die Leistungsfähigkeit eines Mitarbeiters (an employee's performance/productivity - professional)

Article rules for der, die, and das

📚 Grammar Deep Dive: Die Leistungsfähigkeit

"Leistungsfähigkeit" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:

Example Sentences

1. Die Leistungsfähigkeit des neuen Motors ist beeindruckend.
   (The performance of the new engine is impressive.)
2. Wir müssen die Leistungsfähigkeit unserer Mitarbeiter fördern.
   (We need to promote the performance/capability of our employees.)
3. Im Alter nimmt die körperliche Leistungsfähigkeit oft ab.
   (Physical capability often decreases with age.)
4. Die Leistungsfähigkeit des Systems wurde durch das Update verbessert.
   (The system's performance was improved by the update.)

🗣️ How to Use "Leistungsfähigkeit"

"Leistungsfähigkeit" is commonly used to describe potential or effectiveness in various fields:

• Work & Business: The productivity and efficiency of employees, teams, or companies. (e.g., die Leistungsfähigkeit der Abteilung steigern - to increase the department's performance)
• Technology & IT: The performance of machines, devices, or software. (e.g., die Leistungsfähigkeit der Grafikkarte - the graphics card's performance)
• Sports & Health: The physical or mental capacity and fitness of a person. (e.g., seine sportliche Leistungsfähigkeit verbessern - to improve his athletic performance)
• Education: The learning and concentration ability of pupils or students. (e.g., die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit testen - to test cognitive ability/performance)

Distinction: While 'Leistung' refers to the result or the work performed, 'Leistungsfähigkeit' describes the underlying potential or ability to achieve that performance. 'Fähigkeit' (ability, skill) is more general and can refer to specific skills, whereas 'Leistungsfähigkeit' often refers to overall performance or capacity.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Article Rule: Nouns ending in -keit (like Fröhlichkeit - happiness, Möglichkeit - possibility, Sauberkeit - cleanliness) are almost always feminine in German. Therefore, it's die Leistungsfähigkeit. Think "feminine Quality" (-keit often translates to -ty or -ness).

Meaning Rule: Think of it as the "ability (Fähigkeit) to deliver performance (Leistung)". It combines the concept of output (Leistung) with potential (Fähigkeit). It's the ability to show good performance.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Not all synonyms are interchangeable in every context. The choice depends on the specific situation.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Wie steht es um Ihre Leistungsfähigkeit?"
Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Ich denke, sie steht ganz gut. Aber meistens sitzt sie lieber."

Translation:
The boss asks the new employee: "How is your performance/capability?" (Lit: "How does your performance/capability stand?")
The employee replies: "I think it stands quite well. But mostly it prefers to sit." (A pun on "stehen" - to stand)

📜 Poem about Performance

Die Kraft, die in uns steckt,
Die Leistung, die uns weckt.
Ob Geist, ob Muskelspiel,
Erreichen wollen wir das Ziel. Die Fähigkeit, zu schaffen, stark,
Tag für Tag, im Lebenspark. Das ist sie, klar und rein,
Die Leistungsfähigkeit soll es sein!

Translation:
The power that lies within us,
The performance that awakens us.
Whether mind or muscle play,
We want to reach the goal.
The ability to create, strong,
Day by day, in the park of life.
That is it, clear and pure,
Performance capability it shall be!

❓ Riddle

Ich messe, was ein Mensch, ein Ding vermag,
Bin wichtig für Erfolg, Tag für Tag.
Bin ich hoch, ist vieles leicht,
Bin ich niedrig, wird's oft nicht erreicht.
Ich ende auf "-keit" und bin feminin.

Was bin ich?

Translation:
I measure what a person, a thing can do,
Am important for success, day after day, it's true.
If I am high, many things are easy,
If I am low, the goal is often not reached, believe me.
I end in "-keit" and am feminine in gender.

What am I?
Solution: die Leistungsfähigkeit (performance, capability)

🧩 Word Composition

"Leistungsfähigkeit" is a compound noun:

• Leistung: performance, output, achievement.
• -s-: a connecting element ('Fugen-S') often used to join word parts.
• Fähigkeit: ability, capability, skill.

Together, the meaning is formed: the ability to perform or deliver performance.