German Phrase
Ich beneide sie um ihr Talent.
Meaning
This phrase expresses a feeling of envy or admiration toward someone else's specific skill or ability. The verb 'beneiden' is used to show that you wish you possessed what the other person has, often in a complimentary way. It highlights both the person being envied and the specific quality they possess.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to give a high compliment to someone about their skills. It is commonly used in discussions about art, music, or professional success where one person's abilities stand out.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IchbeneidesieumihrTalent
Beneiden + um
The verb 'beneiden' requires the person in the accusative case (sie) and the reason for envy introduced by the preposition 'um'.
Possessive Adjectives
'ihr' means 'her' in this context, agreeing with the neuter noun 'Talent' in the accusative case.
🗨In Conversation
Hast du gesehen, wie mühelos sie diese Sprachen lernt?
Did you see how effortlessly she learns these languages?
Ja, ich beneide sie um ihr Talent.
Yes, I envy her for her talent.
✕Common Mistakes
Ich beneide sie für ihr Talent.
In German, the verb 'beneiden' is paired with the preposition 'um', not 'für'.
Ich beneide ihr Talent.
You must include the person being envied as the direct object before specifying the reason with 'um'.
↔Alternatives
Ich bewundere ihr Talent.
I admire her talent.
Sie ist wirklich begabt.
She is really gifted.
Cultural Tip
Germans often use 'beneiden' as a form of sincere flattery. While 'Neid' (envy) can sometimes be negative, in this context, it usually serves as an admission of the other person's superiority in a specific craft, which is viewed as an honest and direct compliment.