die  Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɛtbəvɛʁpsˌfɛːɪçkaɪt/

💡 What does "die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit" mean?

Die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit means 'competitiveness'. It describes the ability of a company, organization, economy, or even a person to assert itself successfully against competitors. It's about how well one performs compared to others, whether in terms of price, quality, innovation, or efficiency.

The word is feminine and always uses the article "die". It's an abstract noun mostly used in the singular.

Examples of areas where Wettbewerbsfähigkeit is important:

• 📈 Economy (Wirtschaft): The ability of companies to successfully offer products or services on the market.
• 🌍 National Economies (Volkswirtschaften): The strength of a country in international trade and investment.
• 🧑‍💼 Individuals (Individuen): A person's ability to succeed in the job market.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Check: die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

The noun "Wettbewerbsfähigkeit" is feminine. The correct article is die.

It is an abstract noun that is generally used only in the singular. A plural form is very uncommon and theoretical.

Singular Declension

📝 Example Sentences

1. Die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit deutscher Unternehmen auf dem Weltmarkt ist hoch.
   (The competitiveness of German companies on the world market is high.)
2. Wir müssen Maßnahmen ergreifen, um die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit unseres Standorts zu sichern.
   (We must take measures to secure the competitiveness of our location.)
3. Die Studie untersucht die Faktoren, die zur Wettbewerbsfähigkeit einer Region beitragen.
   (The study examines the factors that contribute to the competitiveness of a region.)
4. Durch Innovationen konnte das Unternehmen seine Wettbewerbsfähigkeit steigern.
   (Through innovations, the company was able to increase its competitiveness.)

🗣️ How "Wettbewerbsfähigkeit" is Used

"Wettbewerbsfähigkeit" is a key term in discussions about economics (Wirtschaft), politics (Politik), and business strategy (Unternehmensstrategie).

• Context: It's often used when talking about the competitiveness of countries (e.g., in global comparison), industries (e.g., the automotive industry - Automobilindustrie), or individual companies (Firmen).
• Measurement: It's often measured by indicators such as productivity (Produktivität), innovative strength (Innovationskraft), cost structure (Kostenstruktur), quality (Qualität), or market share (Marktanteil).
• Enhancement: Common topics include measures to increase competitiveness, e.g., through education (Bildung), research (Forschung), reducing bureaucracy (Bürokratieabbau), or infrastructure investments (Investitionen in Infrastruktur).
• Distinction: Don't confuse it with "der Wettbewerb" (the competition/act of competing) or "die Konkurrenz" (the competitors). Wettbewerbsfähigkeit is the ability to compete.

⚠️ It's a rather formal word, less common in everyday small talk but frequently found in news, specialist articles, and business reports.

🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids

Article Mnemonic

Think of die Fähigkeit (the ability) – a quality one possesses. 'The ability' to engage in 'Wettbewerb' (competition) is 'die' Wettbewerbsfähigkeit. Many German nouns ending in "-keit" are feminine ('die').

Meaning Mnemonic

Imagine a Wettbewerb (competition), like a race. Who has the Fähigkeit (ability) to win or keep up well? That person or company has high Wettbewerbsfähigkeit. It's the 'fitness' for the market marathon! 🏃‍♀️💨🏭

↔️ Opposites and Alternatives: Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

⚠️ Similar but Different Terms

• Wettbewerb (der): The process of competing, the contest itself.
• Konkurrenz (die): The competitors, the other participants in the competition.

😄 A Little Joke

German: Fragt der Unternehmensberater den Firmenchef: "Und, wie steht es um Ihre Wettbewerbsfähigkeit?" Antwortet der Chef: "Ausgezeichnet! Ich habe gerade meinen größten Konkurrenten beim Armdrücken besiegt!" 💪

English: The business consultant asks the company boss: "So, how is your competitiveness (Wettbewerbsfähigkeit)?" The boss replies: "Excellent! I just beat my biggest competitor at arm wrestling!" 💪

📜 Poem about Competitiveness

German:
Am Markt, da tobt der Sturm so kalt,
wer nicht mithält, der wird bald alt.
Die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit, ein Schild,
damit das eig'ne Wachstum wild.
Mit Preis und Qualität im Rennen,
muss man die Konkurrenz gut kennen.
Innovativ und stets bereit,
für eine bess're, starke Zeit.

English Translation:
In the market, the storm rages so cold,
who doesn't keep up, soon grows old.
Competitiveness, a shield,
so that one's own growth runs wild.
With price and quality in the race,
one must know the competition's face.
Innovative and always prepared,
for a better, stronger time declared.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin die Kraft, die Firmen treibt,
dafür sorgt, dass man vorne bleibt.
Ob Preis, ob Technik, schnell und schlau,
ich mach' den Unterschied, genau!
Man misst mich oft in Prozent und Zahl,
fehl' ich, droht der jähe Fall.

Wer oder was bin ich?

English Translation:
I am the power that drives firms,
ensuring that one stays ahead.
Whether price or tech, quick and smart,
I make the difference, right from the start!
I'm often measured in percent and count,
if I lack, a sudden fall is paramount.

What or who am I?

Solution: die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit (competitiveness)

🧩 Word Puzzle: Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

Word Composition

The word "Wettbewerbsfähigkeit" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Der Wettbewerb: Meaning 'competition', 'contest'.
• Die Fähigkeit: Meaning 'ability', 'capability', 'skill'.

Together, it literally means the "ability for competition" or "ability to compete". The connecting 's' (Fugen-s: "Wettbewerbsfähigkeit") links the two parts.

Trivia

The term gained significant importance, especially after World War II and during globalization, as international trade and the comparison of national economies became increasingly crucial.