This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
German
Vocabulary
empfindlich

B1 adjective 7 min read

empfindlich

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips empfindlich in 30 Seconds

Explanation empfindlich in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'empfindlich' as a way to describe how your body feels. You might use it to tell a doctor that your skin or teeth hurt when they are touched or exposed to cold. It is a useful word for basic health and shopping (like buying soap for sensitive skin). At this stage, just remember: 'Meine Haut ist empfindlich' means 'My skin is sensitive.' You don't need to worry about the abstract meanings yet. Focus on the physical feeling of things being 'too much' for your senses. Use it simply with 'ist' or 'sind'.

At the A2 level, you start using 'empfindlich' to describe the weather and simple reactions. You might hear someone say 'Es ist empfindlich kalt,' which means it's uncomfortably cold. You also learn to use it with simple prepositions. For example, 'Ich bin empfindlich gegen Kälte' (I am sensitive to cold). You can also use it to describe objects that break or stop working easily, like a 'delicate' flower or a 'delicate' toy. It helps you give more detail about why you are careful with certain things.

At the B1 level, 'empfindlich' becomes a key word for discussing personalities and deeper reactions. You learn that it can mean 'touchy' or 'easily offended' in social contexts. You also start to see it in news reports to describe 'significant' impacts, like 'empfindliche Strafen' (severe punishments). You should understand the difference between 'empfindlich' (reactive/touchy) and 'sensibel' (empathic). You can now use it to discuss complex topics: 'Das ist ein empfindliches Thema' (That's a sensitive topic). You should also be comfortable with adjective endings (e.g., 'eine empfindliche Reaktion').

At the B2 level, you use 'empfindlich' with precision in professional and academic contexts. You understand its role as an adverb meaning 'considerably' or 'noticeably' (e.g., 'Die Preise sind empfindlich gestiegen'). You can distinguish between 'empfindlich auf' (reacting to a stimulus) and 'empfindlich gegen' (lacking resistance). You use it to describe technical instruments or economic shifts. Your vocabulary includes related words like 'Empfindlichkeit' (sensitivity) and you know how to use the word to add weight to your arguments, especially when discussing negative consequences.

At the C1 level, you master the stylistic nuances of 'empfindlich'. You recognize it in literature and high-level journalism where it might describe 'empfindliche Störungen' of public order or 'empfindliche Verluste' in a philosophical sense. You can use it to describe subtle differences in perception. You are aware of the historical connection to 'Empfindsamkeit' (the 18th-century literary movement of Sensibility). You use the word to express high degrees of intensity in a sophisticated way, often replacing simpler words like 'stark' or 'sehr' with 'empfindlich' to sound more native and precise.

At the C2 level, 'empfindlich' is a tool for absolute precision. You understand its most abstract applications in legal, scientific, and philosophical texts. You can discuss the 'Empfindlichkeit' of a mathematical model or the 'empfindliche Balance' of an ecosystem. You use it instinctively in idiomatic expressions and understand its historical evolution from the verb 'empfinden'. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, employing it to convey exact shades of reactivity, vulnerability, and magnitude in complex, multi-layered sentences.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

empfindlich in 30 Seconds

Empfindlich means sensitive or delicate in physical, emotional, and technical contexts.
It often implies a strong or negative reaction to external stimuli like cold or criticism.
Commonly used for 'sensitive skin' (empfindliche Haut) or 'severe punishments' (empfindliche Strafen).
Distinguish it from 'sensibel', which is usually a more positive term for empathy.

The German adjective empfindlich is a versatile word that every B1 learner should master. At its core, it describes a high level of reactivity or vulnerability to external influences. Whether you are talking about your skin's reaction to the sun, a friend's reaction to a joke, or a machine's reaction to a slight vibration, this is the word you need. It bridges the gap between physical sensation and emotional temperament, making it an essential building block for nuanced conversation.

Physical Sensitivity: This is the most common use. It describes parts of the body or materials that react strongly to stimuli like light, temperature, or touch. For example, 'empfindliche Haut' (sensitive skin) or 'empfindliche Zähne' (sensitive teeth).

Meine Augen sind sehr empfindlich gegenüber hellem Sonnenlicht.

Emotional Temperament: When applied to people's personalities, it often carries a slightly negative connotation, similar to 'touchy' or 'thin-skinned.' It suggests that someone takes offense easily or is very vulnerable to criticism.

Technical Precision: In science and technology, it describes instruments that can detect very small changes. An 'empfindliches Messgerät' is a highly sensitive measuring device that provides high precision.

Das Mikrofon ist so empfindlich, dass es sogar das Ticken einer Uhr aufnimmt.

Furthermore, 'empfindlich' is used to describe significant or painful impacts, often in economic or legal contexts. An 'empfindliche Strafe' is a severe punishment, and 'empfindliche Verluste' are substantial losses. This abstract usage is very common in news reports and formal writing, indicating that the effect is 'felt' strongly by those involved.

Die Firma musste empfindliche Umsatzeinbußen hinnehmen.

Heute Nacht wird es empfindlich kalt.

Using empfindlich correctly requires attention to the prepositions that follow it. Depending on whether you are reacting to a physical stimulus or an abstract concept, the preposition changes. This flexibility is what makes the word so powerful in descriptive German.

Empfindlich gegen (Physical): Use 'gegen' (against) when referring to physical resistance or lack thereof. It is commonly used with medications, allergies, or environmental factors like cold or heat.

Bist du empfindlich gegen Pollen?

Empfindlich auf (Reaction): Use 'auf' (on/to) when describing a specific reaction to an event, a comment, or a change. This is frequently used for emotional reactions or technical responses.

Er reagiert sehr empfindlich auf jede Art von Kritik.

As an adjective, it follows standard German declension rules. If it comes before a noun, you must add the appropriate ending based on gender, case, and article. For example, 'ein empfindlicher Magen' (a sensitive stomach), 'die empfindliche Pflanze' (the delicate plant), or 'das empfindliche Thema' (the sensitive topic).

In formal settings, 'empfindlich' often describes the magnitude of a negative outcome. It functions almost like 'severely' or 'significantly'. You will see this in business reports or legal documents. When a judge gives an 'empfindliche Freiheitsstrafe', it means a prison sentence that is substantial and intended to be felt as a real punishment.

Der Streik hat den Bahnverkehr empfindlich gestört.

Word Order and Emphasis: When used predicatively (after 'sein' or 'werden'), it emphasizes the state of the subject. 'Diese Blumen sind sehr empfindlich.' Putting it at the start of a sentence can emphasize the degree: 'Empfindlich traf ihn die Nachricht von seiner Kündigung.'

Die empfindlichen Daten müssen besonders geschützt werden.

You will encounter empfindlich in a surprising variety of daily life contexts in Germany. It is not just a 'book word'; it is deeply embedded in functional language, from skincare commercials to high-stakes political news.

In the Drugstore (Drogerie): Look at any shelf of soaps or lotions. You will see labels like 'Für empfindliche Haut' or 'Sensitiv-Pflege für empfindliche Typen'. It is the standard term for hypoallergenic products.

In Weather Forecasts: Meteorologists love this word. They use it to describe a drop in temperature that people will clearly notice. If the 'Tagesschau' says 'Es wird empfindlich kühler', grab your heavy coat.

Die Temperaturen sinken heute Nacht empfindlich unter den Gefrierpunkt.

In Business and Law: When a company loses a lot of money or a person is fined heavily, the media uses 'empfindlich'. It signals that the consequence is significant enough to cause real pain or disruption.

Das Gericht verhängte eine empfindliche Geldstrafe gegen den Konzern.

In social situations, you might hear it as a warning or a description of a social boundary. People might say 'Das ist ein empfindliches Thema' to warn you that a topic (like politics, money, or personal history) is sensitive and should be handled with care. If someone is described as 'sehr empfindlich', it's a hint to watch your words around them to avoid hurting their feelings.

Vorsicht, das Gerät enthält empfindliche Elektronik.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with empfindlich is treating it as a direct synonym for the English word 'sensitive' in every context. While they overlap, the nuances in German are more specific and sometimes more negative.

Mistake 1: Empfindlich vs. Sensibel: In English, calling someone 'sensitive' is often a compliment (meaning they are empathetic). In German, 'empfindlich' usually means they are 'touchy' or 'easily offended'. If you want to praise someone's emotional intelligence, use 'sensibel'.

Wrong: Er ist ein sehr empfindlicher Zuhörer. (Sounds like he gets offended while listening.)
Better: Er ist ein sehr sensibler Zuhörer.

Mistake 2: Confusing Prepositions: Learners often use 'für' because 'for' works in some English contexts. However, German uses 'gegen' (physical resistance) or 'auf' (reaction). Saying 'empfindlich für Kälte' is a common error; it should be 'gegen Kälte'.

Mistake 3: Adverbial Use: When using it to mean 'significantly' (e.g., 'the prices rose significantly'), learners often forget that 'empfindlich' can be used as an adverb without any ending. They might try to add an '-ly' equivalent that doesn't exist.

Die Preise sind empfindlich gestiegen. (Correct adverbial use.)

Finally, remember that 'empfindlich' implies a degree of vulnerability. If something is just 'soft' or 'fragile' (like a glass vase), use 'zerbrechlich'. If a person is 'delicate' in health, 'kränklich' or 'zart' might be better. 'Empfindlich' is specifically about the *response* to a stimulus.

German has several words for 'sensitive' or 'delicate,' and choosing the right one depends on whether you're talking about feelings, physics, or precision. Understanding these distinctions will move you from B1 to B2/C1 proficiency.

Sensibel vs. Empfindlich: 'Sensibel' is generally positive or neutral, focusing on empathy and awareness. 'Empfindlich' is often negative, focusing on being easily hurt or offended. You want a 'sensiblen' doctor, but a 'empfindliches' instrument.

Ein sensibler Mensch versteht die Gefühle anderer. Ein empfindlicher Mensch ärgert sich über kleine Witze.

Heikel (Tricky/Delicate): When a situation is 'delicate' because it's difficult to handle without causing trouble, use 'heikel'. 'Das ist eine heikle Angelegenheit' (That is a delicate/tricky matter).

Zart (Tender/Delicate): 'Zart' describes physical delicacy, like 'zartes Fleisch' (tender meat) or 'zarte Farben' (delicate colors). It lacks the 'reactivity' aspect of 'empfindlich'.

Anfällig (Prone/Susceptible): If you are 'sensitive' to catching a cold, you are 'anfällig für Erkältungen'. This implies a tendency to become ill rather than just a momentary sensation.

Das System ist anfällig für Fehler, weil die Software veraltet ist.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the 18th century, the word was central to the 'Empfindsamkeit' movement (Sensibility), where being 'empfindsam' (a close relative of empfindlich) was seen as a sign of high moral and artistic character.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɛmˈpfɪntlɪç/

US /ɛmˈpfɪntlɪk/

The stress is on the second syllable: emp-FIND-lich.

Rhymes With

befindlich verbindlich gründlich mündlich stündlich kindlich unüberwindlich unabfindlich

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'pf' as just 'f' or 'p'.
Pronouncing the final 'ch' like 'k' (empfindlik) or 'sh' (empfindlish).
Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'i' too long (like 'ee').
Missing the 't' in the middle.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Commonly found in news and product labels; easy to recognize.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of adjective endings and correct prepositions (auf/gegen).

Speaking 4/5

The 'pf' and 'ch' sounds can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually, but can be confused with 'empfänglich'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

fühlen reagieren die Haut kalt stark

Learn Next

sensibel feinfühlig anfällig die Wahrnehmung die Strafe

Advanced

die Empfindsamkeit die Hyperästhesie die Reizschwelle vulnerabel

Grammar to Know

Adjective Endings

Ein empfindlicher (masc nom) Magen, eine empfindliche (fem nom) Haut.

Prepositional Objects

Empfindlich gegen (physical resistance) vs. Empfindlich auf (reaction).

Adverbial Usage

Das hat mich empfindlich (no ending) getroffen.

Genitive with 'trotz'

Trotz der empfindlichen Kälte (genitive feminine).

Comparison of Adjectives

empfindlich, empfindlicher, am empfindlichsten.

Examples by Level

Meine Haut ist sehr empfindlich.

My skin is very sensitive.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

Sind deine Zähne empfindlich?

Are your teeth sensitive?

Interrogative sentence.

Die Seife ist gut für empfindliche Haut.

The soap is good for sensitive skin.

Adjective ending '-e' for feminine accusative after 'für'.

Das Baby hat empfindliche Ohren.

The baby has sensitive ears.

Adjective ending '-e' for plural accusative.

Ich brauche Creme für empfindliche Hände.

I need cream for sensitive hands.

Plural adjective ending.

Ist das Licht zu empfindlich für dich?

Is the light too sensitive for you? (Meaning: Are you sensitive to it?)

Using 'zu' to indicate excess.

Die Blume ist klein und empfindlich.

The flower is small and delicate.

Coordinating two adjectives.

Sei vorsichtig, die Tasse ist empfindlich.

Be careful, the cup is delicate.

Imperative 'Sei' used with the adjective.

Heute ist es empfindlich kalt draußen.

It is noticeably cold outside today.

'Empfindlich' used as an adverb to modify 'kalt'.

Er ist sehr empfindlich gegen Sonne.

He is very sensitive to sun.

Preposition 'gegen' + noun.

Diese Kamera ist sehr empfindlich.

This camera is very sensitive.

Subject-verb-adjective.

Das ist ein empfindliches Gerät.

That is a sensitive/delicate device.

Adjective ending '-es' for neuter nominative.

Meine Augen reagieren empfindlich auf Staub.

My eyes react sensitively to dust.

Verb 'reagieren' + adverb 'empfindlich' + 'auf'.

Die Pflanze braucht keine empfindliche Pflege.

The plant doesn't need delicate care.

Negation with 'keine'.

Warum bist du heute so empfindlich?

Why are you so touchy today?

Adjective describing a person's mood.

Der Stoff ist sehr empfindlich beim Waschen.

The fabric is very delicate when washing.

Using 'beim' + nominalized verb.

Er reagiert empfindlich auf jede Kritik.

He reacts sensitively to any criticism.

Standard B1 usage for emotional sensitivity.

Das ist ein empfindliches Thema für sie.

That is a sensitive topic for her.

Adjective ending '-es' for neuter nominative.

Der Sturm verursachte empfindliche Schäden.

The storm caused significant damage.

'Empfindlich' meaning 'considerable' or 'severe'.

Wir müssen mit empfindlichen Daten vorsichtig sein.

We must be careful with sensitive data.

Dative plural ending '-en'.

Die Preise sind im letzten Monat empfindlich gestiegen.

Prices have risen significantly in the last month.

Adverbial use modifying the verb 'gestiegen'.

Sei nicht so empfindlich, es war nur ein Witz!

Don't be so touchy, it was just a joke!

Imperative negation.

Die Sensoren sind sehr empfindlich eingestellt.

The sensors are set very sensitively.

Passive construction with adverbial modifier.

Die Nachricht war ein empfindlicher Schlag für ihn.

The news was a painful blow for him.

Metaphorical use for a 'painful' experience.

Die Regierung drohte mit einer empfindlichen Strafe.

The government threatened a severe penalty.

'Empfindlich' in a legal/punitive context.

Sein Stolz wurde empfindlich verletzt.

His pride was deeply/significantly hurt.

Adverbial use with passive voice.

Das Ökosystem reagiert empfindlich auf Klimaveränderungen.

The ecosystem reacts sensitively to climate changes.

Scientific/Environmental context.

Die Wirtschaft erlitt einen empfindlichen Rückschlag.

The economy suffered a significant setback.

Business terminology.

Wir haben eine empfindliche Lücke im Budget.

We have a significant gap in the budget.

Describing a negative 'noticeable' state.

Er besitzt ein empfindliches Gehör für Musik.

He possesses a sensitive ear for music.

Positive technical/physical sensitivity.

Das Material reagiert empfindlich auf Feuchtigkeit.

The material reacts sensitively to moisture.

Technical property description.

Es gab eine empfindliche Störung im Betriebsablauf.

There was a significant disruption in the workflow.

Formal organizational context.

Der Verlust des Auftrags traf das Unternehmen empfindlich.

The loss of the contract hit the company hard/significantly.

Adverb emphasizing the impact of an event.

Die diplomatischen Beziehungen sind momentan äußerst empfindlich.

Diplomatic relations are currently extremely delicate.

Describing a fragile political state.

Es bedarf einer empfindlichen Justierung der Parameter.

It requires a sensitive/precise adjustment of the parameters.

High-level technical/formal phrasing.

Die Kritik an seiner Arbeit empfand er als empfindliche Kränkung.

He felt the criticism of his work as a severe insult.

Noun phrase with 'empfindliche'.

Trotz der empfindlichen Kälte arbeiteten sie weiter.

Despite the biting/noticeable cold, they continued working.

Genitive case after 'trotz'.

Die Waage ist so empfindlich, dass sie Milligramm anzeigt.

The scale is so sensitive that it displays milligrams.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Ihre Abwesenheit hinterließ eine empfindliche Leere.

Her absence left a noticeable/painful void.

Abstract emotional usage.

Das Urteil stellt einen empfindlichen Eingriff in die Privatsphäre dar.

The ruling represents a significant intrusion into privacy.

Legal/Academic terminology.

Die empfindliche Balance zwischen Macht und Moral wurde gewahrt.

The delicate balance between power and morality was maintained.

Abstract philosophical usage.

Er hat ein empfindliches Gespür für gesellschaftliche Strömungen.

He has a sensitive intuition for social trends.

Describing intellectual sensitivity.

Die empfindliche Apparatur darf keinerlei Erschütterung ausgesetzt werden.

The sensitive apparatus must not be exposed to any vibration whatsoever.

Passive voice with dative object.

Eine empfindliche Niederlage beendete seine politische Karriere.

A crushing/significant defeat ended his political career.

Collocation: 'empfindliche Niederlage'.

Die Lyrik jener Epoche zeichnet sich durch eine empfindliche Sprache aus.

The poetry of that era is characterized by sensitive language.

Literary analysis context.

Durch die Sanktionen wurde der Handel empfindlich getroffen.

Trade was severely affected by the sanctions.

Adverbial use in geopolitical context.

Er reagierte mit empfindlicher Schärfe auf den Vorwurf.

He reacted with sensitive/noticeable sharpness to the accusation.

Describing the tone of a reaction.

Die empfindliche Membran trennt die beiden Kammern.

The delicate membrane separates the two chambers.

Scientific precision.

Synonyms

sensibel feinfühlig reizbar zart empfänglich spürbar beträchtlich mimosenhaft

Antonyms

unempfindlich robust abgehärtet dickfellig

Common Collocations

empfindliche Haut

empfindliche Strafe

empfindlich reagieren

empfindliche Daten

empfindliche Verluste

empfindlich kalt

empfindliche Stelle

empfindliches Gerät

empfindliches Thema

empfindliches Gehör

Common Phrases

jemanden an seiner empfindlichsten Stelle treffen

— To hit someone where it hurts most (emotionally or metaphorically).

Mit dieser Bemerkung hat sie ihn an seiner empfindlichsten Stelle getroffen.

empfindlich gestört

— Significantly or severely disrupted.

Die Nachtruhe wurde empfindlich gestört.

eine empfindliche Niederlage

— A heavy or significant defeat.

Die Mannschaft musste eine empfindliche Niederlage einstecken.

empfindlich gegen Kälte

— Sensitive to cold temperatures.

Diese Pflanzen sind sehr empfindlich gegen Kälte.

auf etwas empfindlich reagieren

— To react strongly or sensitively to something.

Sie reagiert empfindlich auf laute Geräusche.

ein empfindlicher Magen

— A sensitive stomach that gets upset easily.

Ich kann kein scharfes Essen essen, ich habe einen empfindlichen Magen.

empfindliche Einbußen

— Significant losses or reductions (often financial).

Der Einzelhandel verzeichnete empfindliche Einbußen.

empfindlich treffen

— To affect someone or something deeply or severely.

Die Nachricht traf ihn empfindlich.

empfindliche Zähne

— Teeth that hurt with hot or cold stimuli.

Hast du auch empfindliche Zähne?

empfindliche Informationen

— Information that is private, secret, or delicate.

Geben Sie keine empfindlichen Informationen preis.

Often Confused With

empfindlich vs sensibel

English speakers use 'sensitive' for both. German uses 'sensibel' for empathy and 'empfindlich' for reactivity.

empfindlich vs empfänglich

Means 'susceptible' or 'open to'. 'Empfindlich' is about the feeling/reaction, 'empfänglich' is about the tendency to receive something.

empfindlich vs heikel

Means 'tricky' or 'delicate' (situation). 'Empfindlich' is the property of a person or thing, 'heikel' is the property of a situation.

Idioms & Expressions

"die empfindliche Saite berühren"

— To touch a sensitive chord; to mention something that evokes a strong emotional reaction.

Damit hast du bei ihm eine empfindliche Saite berührt.

figurative

"jemanden empfindlich treffen"

— To hit someone hard (usually metaphorically, like a financial loss or an insult).

Die Steuererhöhung trifft die kleinen Betriebe empfindlich.

neutral

"eine empfindliche Lücke reißen"

— To leave a significant gap (often after someone leaves or something is lost).

Sein Abschied riss eine empfindliche Lücke in das Team.

literary/formal

"an der empfindlichsten Stelle"

— At the most vulnerable point.

Die Kritik traf das Projekt an der empfindlichsten Stelle.

neutral

"empfindlich reagieren"

— To be thin-skinned or overreact to something.

Du musst nicht immer gleich so empfindlich reagieren!

neutral

"empfindliche Einbußen hinnehmen"

— To have to accept significant losses.

Durch die Krise mussten viele Firmen empfindliche Einbußen hinnehmen.

formal/business

"empfindlich gestört sein"

— To be severely bothered or disrupted.

Ich fühle mich in meiner Konzentration empfindlich gestört.

neutral

"empfindliche Kälte"

— Biting or uncomfortably sharp cold.

Trotz der empfindlichen Kälte gingen wir spazieren.

neutral

"empfindliche Natur"

— A sensitive nature/disposition.

Er hat eine sehr empfindliche Natur.

neutral

"empfindliche Ohren haben"

— To have sensitive hearing (can be literal or metaphorical for not liking loud/rude talk).

Sprich leiser, sie hat empfindliche Ohren.

neutral

Easily Confused

empfindlich vs sensibel

Direct translation of 'sensitive'.

'Sensibel' is mostly positive/empathetic; 'empfindlich' is mostly reactive/touchy.

Ein sensibler Mensch fühlt mit; ein empfindlicher Mensch fühlt sich angegriffen.

empfindlich vs zart

Both can mean 'delicate'.

'Zart' is about texture or appearance; 'empfindlich' is about reaction and vulnerability.

Ein zartes Steak (tender); eine empfindliche Pflanze (easily hurt).

empfindlich vs anfällig

Both describe vulnerability.

'Anfällig' means 'prone to' (like a disease); 'empfindlich' is the immediate sensation or reaction.

Anfällig für Grippe; empfindlich gegen Kälte.

empfindlich vs feinfühlig

Both relate to feeling.

'Feinfühlig' is a high level of tact and perception; 'empfindlich' is a low threshold for irritation.

Sie gab eine feinfühlige Antwort.

empfindlich vs reizbar

Both mean 'easily affected'.

'Reizbar' specifically means easily made angry; 'empfindlich' can be physical or emotional pain.

Am Morgen ist er oft reizbar.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] ist empfindlich.

Meine Haut ist empfindlich.

[Subject] ist empfindlich gegen [Noun].

Ich bin empfindlich gegen Licht.

[Subject] reagiert empfindlich auf [Noun].

Er reagiert empfindlich auf Kritik.

Das ist ein empfindliches [Noun].

Das ist ein empfindliches Thema.

[Verb] + empfindlich (Adverb).

Die Preise sind empfindlich gestiegen.

Eine empfindliche [Noun] (Punishment/Loss).

Eine empfindliche Geldstrafe wurde verhängt.

Trotz der empfindlichen [Noun].

Trotz der empfindlichen Kälte.

Eine empfindliche Balance [Verb].

Eine empfindliche Balance herrscht zwischen ihnen.

Word Family

Nouns

die Empfindlichkeit (sensitivity)

die Empfindung (sensation/feeling)

die Empfindsamkeit (sensibility/sentimentality)

das Empfinden (feeling/perception)

Verbs

empfinden (to feel/perceive)

nachempfinden (to empathize/understand a feeling)

Adjectives

unempfindlich (insensitive)

hochempfindlich (highly sensitive)

lichtempfindlich (light-sensitive)

kälteempfindlich (sensitive to cold)

schmerzempfindlich (sensitive to pain)

das Gefühl

die Wahrnehmung

die Reaktion

die Verletzlichkeit

der Sinn

How to Use It

frequency

Highly frequent in daily speech, advertising, and journalism.

Common Mistakes

Er ist sehr empfindlich (meaning he is empathetic). → Er ist sehr sensibel.
'Empfindlich' usually implies being touchy or easily offended. Use 'sensibel' for the positive trait of empathy.
Ich bin empfindlich für Kälte. → Ich bin empfindlich gegen Kälte.
German uses the preposition 'gegen' for physical sensitivity to environmental factors.
Das ist ein empfindlich Thema. → Das ist ein empfindliches Thema.
Adjectives before a neuter noun (das Thema) in the nominative case need the '-es' ending.
Die Preise sind empfindlicher gestiegen. → Die Preise sind empfindlich gestiegen.
When used as an adverb to mean 'significantly', you don't need a comparative ending unless you are actually comparing two things.
Meine Haut ist sensibel. → Meine Haut ist empfindlich.
While 'sensibel' is sometimes used, 'empfindlich' is the standard and more precise term for physical skin sensitivity.

Tips

Adjective Endings

Don't forget the endings! 'Ein empfindlicher Magen' (masculine), 'Eine empfindliche Haut' (feminine), 'Ein empfindliches Thema' (neuter).

The False Friend Trap

Don't use 'empfindlich' for 'sensible' (which means 'vernünftig' in German). And remember that 'sensibel' in German is the positive version of 'sensitive'.

Legal Context

If you read about an 'empfindliche Strafe' in the news, it means the punishment is substantial. It's a very common journalistic term.

Weather Reports

When the forecast says 'empfindlich kühler', it's a warning to wear a jacket because the temperature drop will be very noticeable.

Precision

Use 'empfindlich' to describe high-tech sensors or scales. It implies high precision because the device reacts to even tiny stimuli.

Sensitive Topics

Label difficult conversations with 'Das ist ein empfindliches Thema' to show you understand the complexity and need for care.

Shopping Tip

Look for 'Sensitiv' or 'für empfindliche Haut' on products if you have allergies or delicate skin.

Hitting the Spot

Use 'an der empfindlichsten Stelle treffen' to describe a comment that was particularly hurtful because it targeted a known weakness.

Soft CH

The 'ch' in 'empfindlich' is the same as in 'ich'. Keep it soft and breathy, not harsh like in 'Bach'.

Feel-Find Connection

Connect 'empfindlich' to 'empfinden' (to feel). If you feel it easily, it's empfindlich.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an **EM**pty **FIN** (like a fish fin) that is very **D**elicate and **LICH** (like light). It reacts to everything!

Visual Association

Imagine a giant eyeball (sensitive to light) or a thermometer in ice (sensitive to cold) with the word written on it.

Word Web

Haut Kritik Zähne Kälte Sensor Strafe Verlust Thema

Challenge

Try to find three items in your house that are 'empfindlich'. Describe them in German using 'empfindlich gegen' or 'empfindlich auf'.

Word Origin

The word 'empfindlich' is derived from the Middle High German verb 'empfinden', which comes from Old High German 'intfindan'.

Original meaning: To perceive, to notice, or to feel something through the senses.

Germanic (German). It shares roots with the English 'find', but developed into the meaning of 'perceiving' or 'feeling'.

Cultural Context

Be careful when calling a person 'empfindlich' directly; it can sound like you are calling them 'whiny' or 'weak'.

English speakers often use 'sensitive' as a positive trait. In German, remember to use 'sensibel' for the positive trait and 'empfindlich' for the reactive/touchy trait.

The literary epoch 'Empfindsamkeit' (Sensibility). Common phrase in German legal news regarding 'empfindliche Geldbußen'. Skincare brands like 'Nivea Sensitive' often translate their marketing as 'für empfindliche Haut'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Skincare & Health

für empfindliche Haut
empfindliche Zähne
ein empfindlicher Magen
schmerzempfindlich

Weather

empfindlich kühl
empfindlich kalt
gegen Frost empfindlich
Wetterempfindlichkeit

Social Interaction

ein empfindliches Thema
empfindlich auf Kritik reagieren
sei nicht so empfindlich
eine empfindliche Natur

Technology/Science

ein empfindliches Messgerät
lichtempfindlicher Sensor
empfindliche Apparatur
die Empfindlichkeit einstellen

Law & Business

eine empfindliche Strafe
empfindliche Verluste
empfindliche Daten
den Markt empfindlich treffen

Conversation Starters

"Bist du empfindlich gegen Kälte oder magst du den Winter?"

"Welche Themen findest du in Gesprächen besonders empfindlich?"

"Hast du empfindliche Haut? Welche Produkte benutzt du?"

"Findest du, dass die Menschen heutzutage zu empfindlich reagieren?"

"Was war die empfindlichste Strafe, die du je in der Schule bekommen hast?"

Journal Prompts

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der du sehr empfindlich auf Kritik reagiert hast. Warum war das so?

Welche empfindlichen Daten sollten deiner Meinung nach im Internet besser geschützt werden?

Beschreibe einen Gegenstand, der für dich einen empfindlichen Wert hat.

Bist du wetterempfindlich? Wie beeinflusst das Wetter deine Laune?

Diskutiere den Unterschied zwischen 'sensibel' und 'empfindlich' anhand eines Beispiels aus deinem Leben.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Be careful! If you call someone 'empfindlich', it often sounds like you think they are touchy or take things too personally. If you want to say they are sensitive in a good way (empathetic), use 'sensibel' or 'feinfühlig' instead.

It depends on the context. Use 'gegen' for physical things like 'empfindlich gegen Kälte' (sensitive to cold) or 'empfindlich gegen Licht'. Use 'auf' for reactions, like 'empfindlich auf Kritik reagieren' (to react sensitively to criticism).

No, it also has an abstract meaning of 'significant' or 'severe', but usually in a negative context. For example, 'empfindliche Verluste' means 'significant losses' and 'eine empfindliche Strafe' means 'a severe punishment'.

The standard phrase is 'empfindliche Haut'. You will see this on many soap and lotion bottles in Germany.

'Zart' usually means 'tender' or 'soft' (like a steak or a flower's petal). 'Empfindlich' means that the thing reacts strongly to stimuli or is easily damaged. A flower can be both 'zart' (soft) and 'empfindlich' (dies easily in the cold).

Yes! In German, most adjectives can function as adverbs without changing their form. For example: 'Das hat mich empfindlich getroffen' (That hit me hard/significantly).

It is better to avoid 'für'. While some speakers might use it, the standard prepositions are 'gegen' and 'auf'. Using 'für' often sounds like a direct translation from English 'sensitive for/to'.

It is a noun that means 'sensitivity to light' or 'photosensitivity'. It is a compound of 'Licht' (light) and 'Empfindlichkeit' (sensitivity).

Yes, etymologically it comes from 'empfinden' (to feel), which shares a root with 'finden' (to find). Think of it as 'finding' a sensation within yourself.

Try to say 'p' and 'f' at the same time. Start with your lips together for the 'p' and immediately release the air through your teeth for the 'f'. It’s a quick, sharp sound.