Genitive preposition 'vermöge' (by virtue of)

vermöge is a very literary genitive preposition meaning by virtue of, specifically by virtue of an inherent quality, ability or power. It is rarer and more elevated than kraft or aufgrund.

It governs the genitive:

• vermöge seiner Erfahrung - by virtue of his experience
• vermöge ihrer Intelligenz - by virtue of her intelligence

Examples:

• Vermöge seiner Erfahrung löste er das Problem. - By virtue of his experience he solved the problem.
• Vermöge ihres scharfen Verstandes durchschaute sie den Plan sofort. - By virtue of her keen mind she saw through the plan at once.

Common mistakes: Use the genitive (vermöge seiner Erfahrung, not vermöge seine Erfahrung). Distinguish it from vermögen (the verb "to be able to" / the noun "wealth"). The word implies causation through an inherent capacity, unlike kraft (by virtue of authority/office) - choose the right one. It is markedly literary, so it is out of place in plain or spoken German, where aufgrund + genitive serves.

'vermöge' (by virtue of) takes the genitive; very literary.

Literary 'by virtue of (an ability)'; takes the genitive.

'vermöge' (aufgrund einer Fähigkeit) steht mit dem Genitiv; sehr gehoben.