German word

einfühlsam

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaɪ̯nˌfyːlzaːm/

Meaning

  • adjectiveempathetic

Example

Er ist einfühlsamer, als ich dachte.

He is more empathetic than I thought.

Illustration for einfühlsam (empathetic)

More examples

Die Ärztin gab der Patientin eine einfühlsame Antwort.

The doctor gave the patient an empathetic response.

Core concept

Someone senses the mood beneath another person's words and adjusts their response with care.

Common phrases

  • eine einfühlsame Person

    an empathetic person

  • eine einfühlsame Reaktion

    an empathetic reaction

  • ein einfühlsames Gespräch

    an empathetic conversation

Similar words

empathisch: Able to understand others' feelings and respond in a fitting way.
verständnisvoll: Accepting of others' circumstances, with a patient and gentle attitude.
rücksichtsvoll: Careful not to inconvenience others through considerate words and actions.
taktvoll: Careful with wording and social situations so others' feelings are spared.

Definition in German

einfühlsam meint, dass jemand die Stimmung anderer wahrnimmt und behutsam darauf eingeht.

Word origin

"Einfühlsam" derives from "einfühlen", formed from "ein" and "fühlen", with "-sam" marking the resulting quality.

Usage tips

  • The phrase "einfühlsam auf jemanden eingehen" uses "auf" with the accusative, as in "auf seine Sorgen".

Other meanings

  • considerateadjective
  • sensitiveadjective

Opposites

  • kaltherzigcold-heartedadjective

Related words

  • Einfühlungsvermögenempathynoun
  • Einfühlungempathic understandingnoun
  • einfühlenempathizeverb

Word lists with this word