German word

sensibel

Pronunciation

IPA/zɛnˈziːbəl/

Meaning

  • adjectivesensitive

Example

Sie ist sensibler als ich.

She is more sensitive than I am.

Illustration for sensibel (sensitive)

More examples

In Meetings ist sie sensibel gegenüber persönlichen Kommentaren.

In meetings, she is sensitive to personal comments.

Core concept

A person whose emotional skin is thin, so criticism, moods, or strong impressions reach them quickly and can hurt.

Common phrases

  • sensibel für Stimmungen

    sensitive to moods

  • sensibel gegenüber persönlichen Fragen

    sensitive to personal questions

  • sensibel im Gespräch

    sensitive in conversation

Similar words

empfindlich: Quick to feel upset or hurt by criticism and negative remarks.
feinfühlig: Quick to notice subtle feelings and changes in the atmosphere, and respond with care.
verletzlich: Emotionally fragile and easily hurt by even minor difficulties.

Definition in German

Stark auf äußere Reize, Kritik oder Stimmungen reagierend und deshalb emotional verletzlich.

Word origin

German sensibel comes through French sensible from Latin sensibilis, formed from sentire, meaning 'to feel'.

Usage tips

  • German sensibel usually means emotionally or physically sensitive, whereas English sensible usually means practical or reasonable.

Other meanings

  • delicateadjective
  • easily hurtadjective

Opposites

  • hartherzighard-heartedadjective
  • unempfindlichinsensitiveadjective

Related words

  • Sensibilitätsensitivitynoun
  • sensibilisierensensitizeverb

Word lists with this word