German Conversation · Level 104
57 words
German word
empfindlich
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛmˈpfɪntlɪç/
Meaning
- adjectivesensitive
Example
Sie hat eine empfindliche Haut.
She has sensitive skin.
More examples
Die Firma speichert empfindliche Daten in verschlüsselten Dateien.
The company stores sensitive data in encrypted files.
Core concept
A finely tuned boundary reacts strongly to touch, words, or other stimuli.
Common phrases
empfindliche Daten
sensitive data
gegenüber Kritik empfindlich
sensitive to criticism
ein empfindliches Gleichgewicht
delicate balance
Similar words
sensibel: Quick to notice subtle emotions or changes in the atmosphere.
verletzlich: Easily hurt emotionally by criticism or rejection.
reizbar: Quick to become irritated or angry after slight provocation.
dünnhäutig: Especially prone to taking criticism personally and becoming discouraged.
Definition in German
bei Gefühlen leicht gekränkt oder schnell emotional reagierend
Word origin
Empfindlich is formed from empfinden, meaning to perceive or feel, with the adjective suffix -lich, and extends felt responsiveness to emotions and physical delicacy.
Usage tips
- For people, empfindlich often suggests being easily hurt or touchy, while for skin or objects it often means sensitive or delicate.
Other meanings
- oversensitiveadjective
- delicateadjective
Opposites
- unempfindlichinsensitiveadjective
- widerstandsfähigresistantadjective
Related words
- Empfindlichkeitsensitivitynoun
- empfindsamsensitiveadjective
- empfindenfeelverb