schlau
Translation
clever, smart, sly, cunning
Examples
Das ist eine schlaue Idee.
That is a clever idea.
Der schlaue Fuchs entkam.
The clever fox escaped.
Sie ist ein schlaues Mädchen.
She is a smart girl.
Grammar Patterns
to be clever The boy is very clever. Der Junge ist sehr schlau.
a clever ((person/thing)) That was a clever answer. Das war eine schlaue Antwort.
Similar Words
Synonyms: klug, clever, intelligent; Antonyms: dumm, naiv
Etymology
From Middle High German 'slū', meaning 'sly'. Related to the English word 'sly'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'sly' fox. The sound 'schlau' is smooth, like a clever person sliding out of a problem.