What’s all the Fuss about Competencies?

This paper deals with applying a description of a set of mathematical competencies with the aim of developing mathematics education in general and in particular the work with mathematical modelling. Hence it offers a presentation of the general idea of working with mathematical competencies as well as an analysis of some potentials of putting this idea into educational practice. Three challenges form the basis of the analysis: The fight against syllabusitis, the dilemma of teaching directed autonomy and the description of progress in mathematical modelling competency.