die Fähigkeiten
Translation
abilities, skills, capabilities, competencies
Examples
Sie hat viele verborgene Fähigkeiten.
She has many hidden abilities.
Seine Fähigkeiten im Rechnen sind beeindruckend.
His skills in arithmetic are impressive.
Man braucht soziale Fähigkeiten für diesen Job.
You need social skills for this job.
Grammar Patterns
the ability ((to-inf)) the ability to do sth. She has the ability to lead.
skills ((in sth.)) skills in sth. He has special skills in mathematics.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Kompetenzen, Fertigkeiten, Talente; Antonyms: Schwächen, Mängel
Etymology
From 'fähig' (able, capable) + the suffix '-keit', which forms abstract nouns, similar to English '-ness' or '-ity'. So, literally 'able-ness'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'fähig' as being related to the English word 'fee', as in a fee for a capable person's service. The '-keit' suffix is very common for abstract nouns.