This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

Home
Learn
German
Vocabulary
Sympathisch

B1 adjective #3,000 most common 8 min read

Sympathisch

Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips Sympathisch in 30 Seconds

Explanation Sympathisch in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'sympathisch' is a positive word to describe a person. It is like saying 'I like him/her' but as an adjective. You will mostly use it with the verb 'sein' (to be). For example: 'Er ist sympathisch' (He is likable). You might encounter it when meeting new people or in simple stories. Do not worry about complex grammar yet; just remember that it is a 'False Friend.' It does NOT mean you feel sorry for someone. If you see a smiling person, they are 'sympathisch.' It is a very common word in basic introductions. You can also use 'sehr' to make it stronger: 'Sie ist sehr sympathisch.' This is one of the first adjectives you should learn for describing people's character because it is very polite and always sounds good. Even at this level, try to avoid the English mistake of thinking it means 'sympathetic.' Focus on the 'vibe' of the person.

At the A2 level, you start using 'sympathisch' in more varied sentence structures. You will learn to use it with the verb 'finden' (to find). For example: 'Ich finde den Lehrer sympathisch.' You should also begin to notice the adjective endings when it comes before a noun: 'Ein sympathischer Mann' or 'Eine sympathische Frau.' At this stage, you might also use the opposite: 'unsympathisch.' If someone is mean or cold, you can say 'Er ist unsympathisch.' You are expanding your ability to describe people beyond just 'gut' or 'schlecht.' You are learning that 'sympathisch' is about character, not just looks. You might use it in a short text about your best friend or a family member. It is also a great word to use when talking about colleagues or classmates. Remember the dative construction: 'Du bist mir sympathisch.' Even if you don't fully master the dative yet, learning this specific phrase is very helpful for sounding more natural.

At the B1 level, you should be fully aware of the 'False Friend' trap and use 'sympathisch' correctly in contrast to 'mitfühlend' (sympathetic). You can use it to describe not just people, but also things like a 'sympathische Atmosphäre' (a pleasant atmosphere) or a 'sympathische Stadt' (a likable city). You are now expected to use correct adjective endings in all cases (Nominative, Accusative, Dative, Genitive). You can also use it to express your opinion more nuancedly: 'Obwohl er streng ist, finde ich ihn eigentlich ganz sympathisch.' You start to understand that 'sympathisch' is a key social lubricant in German culture—it's how people express that they 'click' with someone. You might use it in job interview simulations or in more detailed descriptions of characters in books. You are also beginning to see how it can be used with 'wirken' (to seem): 'Er wirkt auf den ersten Blick etwas unterkühlt, ist aber eigentlich sehr sympathisch.' This shows a higher level of descriptive ability.

At the B2 level, you use 'sympathisch' with precision and can explain why someone is perceived this way. You might use nouns like 'die Sympathie' or 'der Sympathieträger' (a person who is widely liked). You understand the social implications of the word and can use it in professional contexts, such as discussing a candidate's 'cultural fit.' You can use more advanced intensifiers like 'äußerst,' 'ungemein,' or 'ausgesprochen sympathisch.' You are also able to handle the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive constructions or with relative clauses: 'Er ist jemand, der sofort sympathisch rüberkommt.' You can distinguish between 'sympathisch' and related concepts like 'charismatisch' (charismatic) or 'authentisch' (authentic). Your usage is now natural, and you no longer hesitate or confuse it with the English meaning. You might also use it ironically or in more subtle social commentary.

At the C1 level, your use of 'sympathisch' is indistinguishable from a native speaker. You understand the subtle cultural connotations, such as why a politician might strive to be 'sympathisch' rather than just 'kompetent.' You can use the word in abstract discussions about psychology or social dynamics. You might use terms like 'Sympathiewerte' when discussing public opinion. You are comfortable using the word in its adverbial-like function in phrases like 'sympathisch unaufgeregt' (pleasantly calm/unexcited). You can also use it to describe concepts or movements: 'Eine sympathische Initiative.' You understand that 'sympathisch' can sometimes be used as a 'softener' before delivering a critique: 'Er ist zwar ein sehr sympathischer Mensch, aber für diese Führungsposition fehlt ihm die nötige Härte.' You have a wide range of synonyms at your disposal (gewinnend, einnehmend, liebenswürdig) and choose 'sympathisch' specifically when you want to emphasize that personal 'click' or pleasant aura.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'sympathisch' and its entire word family. You can use it in literary analysis to describe the 'Sympathielenkung' (the way an author directs the reader's sympathy towards a character). You understand historical or philosophical nuances of the concept of 'Sympathie' in German thought (e.g., in the works of Adam Smith or German Romanticism, though the modern meaning has shifted). You can play with the word's nuances in high-level rhetoric, using it to build rapport with an audience. You are aware of how the word functions in different regional dialects or sociolects across the German-speaking world. Your usage is effortless, and you can even use the word to describe complex aesthetic experiences. You might discuss the 'Unsympath' (a person who is inherently unlikeable) in a psychological or cinematic context. At this level, the word is just one tool in a vast arsenal of expressions used to navigate the complexities of human interaction and perception.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

Sympathisch in 30 Seconds

Sympathisch means 'likable' or 'pleasant' in German, describing a positive impression of someone's character.
It is a 'false friend' and does NOT mean 'sympathetic' (compassionate) in English.
It can be used for people, places, or ideas that feel appealing and right.
The opposite is 'unsympathisch,' used for people you find unpleasant or cold.

The German word sympathisch is an essential adjective that every learner must master, especially because it is a notorious 'false friend' for English speakers. While it sounds like the English word 'sympathetic,' its meaning is quite different. In German, if you describe someone as sympathisch, you are saying they are likable, pleasant, or that you find them appealing in character. It is a gut-feeling word. It describes that immediate positive impression you get when you meet someone and feel that you could get along with them.

Aura and Personality: It refers to a person's overall vibe. It is less about a specific action they did and more about their general demeanor. A person who smiles often, listens well, and has a warm presence is typically described as sympathisch.

Subjectivity: The term is inherently subjective. One person might find a stranger sympathisch because they remind them of a friend, while another person might feel neutral. It is frequently used in the phrase 'jemanden sympathisch finden' (to find someone likable).

Ich habe den neuen Kollegen heute getroffen; er wirkt sehr sympathisch.

Ihre Art zu reden ist mir sehr sympathisch.

Social Contexts: You will hear this in dating contexts, job interviews (when colleagues discuss a candidate), and when introducing friends. It is a safe, polite, and genuinely positive adjective that doesn't carry the potentially patronizing weight of 'nett' (nice).

Der Bewerber war fachlich kompetent und zudem äußerst sympathisch.

Ein sympathisches Lächeln öffnet viele Türen.

Warum ist er dir so sympathisch?

In summary, use this word when you want to express that someone has a winning personality or a pleasant character. It is one of the most common adjectives used in German social evaluation.

Using sympathisch correctly requires understanding both its grammatical placement and the specific verbs it commonly pairs with. As an adjective, it can be used predicatively (after a verb like 'sein' or 'wirken') or attributively (before a noun, requiring an ending).

Predicative Usage: This is the simplest form. 'Er ist sympathisch.' Here, the adjective does not change its ending. Verbs like 'sein' (to be), 'wirken' (to seem/appear), and 'rüberkommen' (to come across) are frequently used. For example, 'Du wirkst sehr sympathisch in deinem Video.'

Attributive Usage: When placed before a noun, you must apply German adjective endings. 'Ein sympathischer Mann' (Nominative Masculine), 'Eine sympathische Frau' (Nominative Feminine), 'Ein sympathisches Kind' (Nominative Neuter). Always check the gender and case of the noun it describes.

Wir haben eine sympathische Nachbarin gefunden.

Ihre ruhige Art macht sie sehr sympathisch.

Gradation and Emphasis: You can intensify it with 'sehr' (very), 'äußerst' (extremely), or 'total' (totally). Conversely, you can soften it with 'ganz' (quite) or 'eigentlich' (actually). 'Er ist eigentlich ganz sympathisch, wenn man ihn erst mal kennt.'

Das ist ein äußerst sympathischer Zug an ihm.

Sie kam beim Publikum sehr sympathisch rüber.

Die Atmosphäre in diesem Café ist sehr sympathisch.

Note that while usually applied to people, 'sympathisch' can occasionally describe things like a small town, a cozy café, or an idea, suggesting they have a pleasant or appealing character.

In Germany, sympathisch is ubiquitous in daily conversation and media. It is the gold standard for describing a positive first impression.

In Professional Life: During recruitment, German hiring managers often value 'Soft Skills.' After an interview, you might hear a recruiter say: 'Der Kandidat war uns sehr sympathisch, aber seine technischen Kenntnisse reichen noch nicht aus.' It emphasizes that the person would fit well into the team culture.

In Media and Entertainment: On talk shows or in magazine interviews, celebrities are often judged on their 'Sympathiewert' (likability rating). A politician who makes a joke or shows vulnerability might be described by journalists as 'überraschend sympathisch' (surprisingly likable).

Der neue Moderator ist dem Publikum auf Anhieb sympathisch gewesen.

Ich finde seine bodenständige Art total sympathisch.

In Private Social Circles: When friends gossip about a new person in the group: 'Und, wie fandest du Thomas?' — 'Ja, ganz sympathisch, ein bisschen schüchtern vielleicht.' It acts as a basic building block for social bonding.

Sie ist eine wirklich sympathische Person, mit der man gerne Zeit verbringt.

Er hat so eine sympathische Ausstrahlung, findest du nicht?

Der Vorschlag, am See zu grillen, ist mir sehr sympathisch.

You will also see this word in literature to describe a protagonist who is meant to be liked by the reader, or in advertisements for brands that want to seem friendly and approachable.

The most frequent error with sympathisch is the translation error between English and German. Because the words look almost identical, English speakers often use it to mean 'compassionate' or 'showing sympathy.'

The 'Sympathetic' Trap: If you want to say 'My boss was very sympathetic when I told him about my family problems,' you cannot say 'Mein Chef war sympathisch.' That would mean 'My boss was a likable person.' Instead, you must use 'mitfühlend' or 'verständnisvoll'.

Adjective Ending Confusion: Learners often forget that when 'sympathisch' is used before a noun, it needs an ending. 'Ein sympathisch Mann' is wrong; it must be 'Ein sympathischer Mann'.

Falsch: Ich bin sympathisch mit dir. (I am likable with you - nonsensical)

Richtig: Ich habe Mitleid mit dir. (I have sympathy for you.)

Overusing 'Nett': Many learners stick to 'nett' because it's easier to pronounce. However, 'sympathisch' is often the better word for describing someone's character. Using only 'nett' makes your German sound basic and sometimes slightly condescending.

Falsch: Er ist ein sympathisch Junge. (Missing ending)

Richtig: Er ist ein sympathischer Junge.

Sie sympathisiert mit den Grünen. (She supports the Green party.)

Avoid these pitfalls by remembering: Sympathisch = Likable. Mitfühlend = Sympathetic.

To enrich your German vocabulary, you should know the nuances between sympathisch and its close relatives.

Nett vs. Sympathisch: 'Nett' is 'nice' or 'kind.' It describes behavior. 'Sympathisch' describes the person's essence. You can be 'nett' to someone you don't actually find 'sympathisch' (e.g., being polite to a rude customer).

Freundlich vs. Sympathisch: 'Freundlich' means 'friendly.' This is an outward action. A waiter can be very freundlich (professional friendliness) without necessarily being sympathisch (having a likable personality).

Er ist zwar höflich, aber nicht besonders sympathisch.

Ihre gewinnende Art half ihr im Verkauf.

Attraktiv vs. Sympathisch: 'Attraktiv' usually refers to physical beauty. 'Sympathisch' refers to the beauty of the character or 'vibe'. You can find someone sympathisch without finding them physically attractive, and vice versa.

Ein liebenswerter Mensch ist oft auch sympathisch.

Das Projekt klingt vielversprechend und sympathisch.

Sein arrogantes Verhalten wirkt sehr unsympathisch.

Understanding these distinctions allows you to be more precise in your descriptions and avoid the 'nett' cliché that many learners fall into.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'sympathisch' is a classic example of semantic drift, where a word's meaning changes over centuries. While English kept the 'pity' aspect, German focused on the 'attraction' aspect.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /zʏmˈpaːtɪʃ/

US /zɪmˈpɑːtɪʃ/

The stress is on the second syllable: sym-PA-thisch.

Rhymes With

statisch dramatisch automatisch pragmatisch fanatisch ekstatisch diplomatisch demokratisch

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' as an unvoiced 's' (like 'snake'). In German, 's' before a vowel is usually voiced ('z').
Pronouncing the 'y' like an English 'y'. It should be like the German 'ü'.
Pronouncing the 'ch' like 'k' or 'sh'. It should be the soft 'ch' as in 'ich'.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Pronouncing the 'th' like the English 'th'. In German, 'th' is just a simple 't' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize, but easy to mistranslate if you rely on English.

Writing 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and understanding the 'finden' or dative structures.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation of 'y' and 'ch' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Very common word; easy to hear in conversations.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

nett gut finden wirken Mensch

Learn Next

charismatisch authentisch liebenswert gewinnend ausstrahlen

Advanced

Sympathielenkung Sympathieträger Interpersonelle Attraktion

Grammar to Know

Adjective endings after indefinite articles (Mixed Declension)

Ein sympathisch**er** Mann, eine sympathisch**e** Frau, ein sympathisch**es** Kind.

Adjective endings after definite articles (Weak Declension)

Der sympathisch**e** Mann, die sympathisch**e** Frau, das sympathisch**e** Kind.

Dative case with 'sein'

Du bist **mir** sympathisch. (You are likable to me.)

Accusative case with 'finden'

Ich finde **ihn** sympathisch.

Prefix 'un-' for negation

Er ist **un**sympathisch.

Examples by Level

Er ist sehr sympathisch.

He is very likable.

Predicative use of the adjective.

Die Frau ist sympathisch.

The woman is likable.

Subject + sein + adjective.

Bist du sympathisch?

Are you likable?

Question form.

Mein Freund ist sympathisch.

My friend is likable.

Possessive pronoun + noun.

Das Kind ist sympathisch.

The child is likable.

Neuter noun.

Wir sind sympathisch.

We are likable.

Plural subject.

Sie ist nicht sympathisch.

She is not likable.

Negation with 'nicht'.

Ist der Lehrer sympathisch?

Is the teacher likable?

Interrogative sentence.

Ich finde ihn sympathisch.

I find him likable.

Verb 'finden' + accusative object.

Das ist ein sympathischer Mann.

That is a likable man.

Attributive adjective with masculine ending -er.

Sie ist eine sympathische Lehrerin.

She is a likable teacher.

Attributive adjective with feminine ending -e.

Er ist mir sympathisch.

I like him. (He is likable to me.)

Dative construction (mir).

Wir haben sympathische Nachbarn.

We have likable neighbors.

Plural adjective ending -e.

Kennst du das sympathische Mädchen?

Do you know the likable girl?

Definite article + adjective ending -e.

Er wirkt sympathisch.

He seems likable.

Verb 'wirken'.

Sie ist unsympathisch.

She is unlikeable.

Prefix 'un-' for opposite meaning.

Ich habe ihn auf der Party getroffen und er war mir sofort sympathisch.

I met him at the party and I liked him immediately.

Past tense 'war' + dative 'mir'.

Obwohl er wenig sagt, wirkt er sehr sympathisch.

Although he says little, he seems very likable.

Conjunction 'obwohl'.

Das ist eine sehr sympathische Idee für das Wochenende.

That is a very appealing idea for the weekend.

Using 'sympathisch' for an abstract concept.

Ich finde es sympathisch, dass er so ehrlich ist.

I find it likable that he is so honest.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Sie hat ein sympathisches Lächeln.

She has a likable smile.

Attributive neuter ending -es.

Wir suchen einen sympathischen Mitbewohner.

We are looking for a likable roommate.

Accusative masculine ending -en.

Der neue Kollege kommt sehr sympathisch rüber.

The new colleague comes across as very likable.

Separable verb 'rüberkommen'.

Ich mag seine sympathische Art.

I like his likable way/manner.

Accusative feminine ending -e.

Seine sympathische Ausstrahlung hilft ihm bei Verkaufsgesprächen.

His likable charisma helps him in sales meetings.

Compound noun 'Verkaufsgespräche'.

Die Bewerberin war uns aufgrund ihrer offenen Art ausgesprochen sympathisch.

The candidate was extremely likable to us because of her open manner.

Preposition 'aufgrund' + genitive.

Es ist wichtig, dass ein Moderator sympathisch auf das Publikum wirkt.

It is important that a host appears likable to the audience.

Prepositional object 'auf das Publikum'.

Viele Wähler finden den Kandidaten sympathisch, auch wenn sie seine Politik nicht mögen.

Many voters find the candidate likable, even if they don't like his politics.

Contrast with 'auch wenn'.

Sie ist eine sympathische junge Frau mit viel Potenzial.

She is a likable young woman with a lot of potential.

Double adjective before noun.

Ich finde es sympathisch, wenn Leute über sich selbst lachen können.

I find it likable when people can laugh at themselves.

Conditional 'wenn' clause.

Der Film hat eine sehr sympathische Hauptfigur.

The movie has a very likable main character.

Attributive feminine ending -e.

Trotz seiner Fehler bleibt er ein sympathischer Zeitgenosse.

Despite his mistakes, he remains a likable contemporary/fellow.

Preposition 'trotz' + genitive.

Seine sympathisch unaufgeregte Art ist in dieser hektischen Branche selten.

His pleasantly calm manner is rare in this hectic industry.

Adverbial use of 'sympathisch' modifying another adjective.

Das Unternehmen versucht, durch diese Kampagne sympathischer zu wirken.

The company is trying to appear more likable through this campaign.

Comparative form 'sympathischer'.

Es war ein sympathisches kleines Café abseits der Touristenpfade.

It was a pleasant little café off the beaten path.

Multiple adjectives in attributive position.

Er ist ein Sympathieträger par excellence.

He is a likable figure par excellence.

Using the noun 'Sympathieträger'.

Die Autorin schafft es, selbst den Bösewicht sympathisch erscheinen zu lassen.

The author manages to make even the villain appear likable.

Infinitive construction with 'lassen'.

Diese Geste machte ihn bei seinen Kritikern sympathisch.

This gesture made him likable among his critics.

Prepositional phrase 'bei seinen Kritikern'.

Ich finde diesen Ansatz sehr sympathisch, da er den Menschen in den Mittelpunkt stellt.

I find this approach very appealing because it focuses on the human being.

Causal clause with 'da'.

Ihre sympathische Bescheidenheit ist ihr Markenzeichen.

Her likable modesty is her trademark.

Genitive/Possessive 'Ihre'.

Die Sympathielenkung im Roman ist so subtil, dass man den Protagonisten trotz seiner Taten liebt.

The direction of sympathy in the novel is so subtle that one loves the protagonist despite his actions.

Technical literary term 'Sympathielenkung'.

In der politischen Kommunikation ist der Sympathiewert oft entscheidender als die Sachkompetenz.

In political communication, the likability rating is often more decisive than technical competence.

Comparative 'entscheidender als'.

Es ist eine sympathische Ironie des Schicksals, dass sie nun genau dort arbeitet.

It is a pleasant irony of fate that she is now working exactly there.

Abstract noun 'Ironie des Schicksals'.

Der Redner verstand es meisterhaft, sich durch sympathische Anekdoten Gehör zu verschaffen.

The speaker masterfully knew how to gain a hearing through likable anecdotes.

Infinitive with 'zu' and reflexive 'sich'.

Trotz der gravierenden Mängel des Projekts hat der Entwurf etwas sympathisch Unvollkommenes.

Despite the serious flaws of the project, the draft has something pleasantly imperfect.

Substantivized adjective 'Unvollkommenes'.

Ihre Ausstrahlung ist von einer sympathischen Natürlichkeit geprägt.

Her charisma is characterized by a likable naturalness.

Passive construction with 'von ... geprägt'.

Man kann ihm seine Fehler kaum übel nehmen, da er einfach zu sympathisch ist.

One can hardly hold his mistakes against him because he is simply too likable.

Idiom 'übel nehmen'.

Die sympathische Nahbarkeit des Vorstands überraschte die Belegschaft.

The likable approachability of the board surprised the staff.

Genitive construction.

Synonyms

nett liebenswert gewinnend ansprechend einnehmend freundlich herzlich angenehm

Antonyms

unsympathisch abstoßend arrogant kühl

Common Collocations

jemanden sympathisch finden

sympathisch wirken

ein sympathisches Lächeln

eine sympathische Ausstrahlung

äußerst sympathisch

auf Anhieb sympathisch

sympathisch rüberkommen

jemandem sympathisch sein

eine sympathische Art

durchaus sympathisch

Common Phrases

Das ist mir sympathisch.

— I like that / That appeals to me. Used for ideas or plans.

Die Idee, früher Feierabend zu machen, ist mir sympathisch.

Ein sympathischer Kerl.

— A likable guy. Very common in casual conversation.

Dein Bruder ist ein sympathischer Kerl.

Sie wirkt total sympathisch.

— She seems totally likable. Used when seeing someone for the first time.

Ich kenne sie nicht, aber sie wirkt total sympathisch.

Nicht besonders sympathisch.

— Not particularly likable. A polite way to say you don't like someone.

Der neue Nachbar ist nicht besonders sympathisch.

Ein sympathisches Auftreten.

— A likable demeanor/appearance. Often used in job contexts.

Für den Empfang brauchen wir jemanden mit einem sympathischen Auftreten.

Gleich sympathisch.

— Immediately likable. Short for 'auf Anhieb sympathisch'.

Wir haben uns getroffen und waren uns gleich sympathisch.

Sympathisch rüberkommen.

— To come across as likable. Common in media and social talk.

Er muss im Fernsehen sympathisch rüberkommen.

Eine sympathische Figur machen.

— To cut a likable figure / to look good in a role.

Der neue Trainer macht eine sympathische Figur.

Sympathisch finden.

— To find likable. The most standard way to express liking someone's personality.

Wen findest du in der Klasse am meisten sympathisch?

Total sympathisch.

— Totally likable. Very common emphasis in spoken German.

Die Band war total sympathisch.

Often Confused With

Sympathisch vs sympathetic (English)

English 'sympathetic' means compassionate. German 'sympathisch' means likable.

Sympathisch vs mitleidig

This is the German word for 'sympathetic' in the sense of feeling pity.

Sympathisch vs mitfühlend

This is the German word for 'sympathetic' in the sense of showing empathy.

Idioms & Expressions

"Auf Anhieb sympathisch sein"

— To be likable right from the start. Used for instant connections.

Wir haben uns gesehen und waren uns auf Anhieb sympathisch.

neutral

"Sympathiepunkte sammeln"

— To collect 'sympathy points' / to gain popularity through likable behavior.

Mit seiner ehrlichen Antwort konnte er Sympathiepunkte sammeln.

informal/journalistic

"Jemandem sympathisch rüberkommen"

— To project a likable image to someone.

Ich hoffe, ich bin ihr sympathisch rübergekommen.

informal

"Ein Sympathieträger sein"

— To be a person who naturally attracts liking and support.

Der Kapitän der Mannschaft ist ein echter Sympathieträger.

neutral

"Die Chemie stimmt"

— The chemistry is right. Often said when two people find each other sympathisch.

Bei uns hat die Chemie sofort gestimmt.

informal

"Ganz mein Fall sein"

— To be just my type (can refer to being sympathisch).

Er ist menschlich gesehen ganz mein Fall.

informal

"Einen Stein im Brett haben"

— To be in someone's good books (often because you are sympathisch).

Seit du ihr geholfen hast, hast du bei ihr einen Stein im Brett.

idiomatic/informal

"Auf einer Wellenlänge liegen"

— To be on the same wavelength.

Wir liegen einfach auf einer Wellenlänge.

informal

"Jemanden gut riechen können"

— To like someone (literally: to be able to smell them).

Ich kann ihn einfach gut riechen.

idiomatic/informal

"Das Herz am rechten Fleck haben"

— To have one's heart in the right place (a reason why someone is sympathisch).

Er ist ein bisschen rau, aber er hat das Herz am rechten Fleck.

idiomatic

Easily Confused

Sympathisch vs sympathisieren

Looks like the verb form of sympathisch.

Sympathisieren means to support a cause or political party. Sympathisch is an adjective for likability.

Er sympathisiert mit der Opposition.

Sympathisch vs nett

Both mean 'good' qualities.

Nett is 'nice' (behavior). Sympathisch is 'likable' (character/vibe).

Er war nett zu mir, aber er ist mir nicht sympathisch.

Sympathisch vs freundlich

Both are positive traits.

Freundlich is an active behavior (being friendly). Sympathisch is an inherent quality.

Das Personal ist freundlich, aber das Hotel wirkt nicht sympathisch.

Sympathisch vs empathisch

Sounds similar.

Empathisch means empathetic (able to feel what others feel). Sympathisch means likable.

Sie ist eine sehr empathische Zuhörerin.

Sympathisch vs anziehend

Both involve attraction.

Anziehend often implies physical or strong charismatic attraction. Sympathisch is more about a pleasant character.

Er hat eine anziehende Ausstrahlung.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] + sein + sympathisch.

Er ist sympathisch.

Ich finde + [Accusative Object] + sympathisch.

Ich finde sie sympathisch.

[Subject] + sein + [Dative Pronoun] + sympathisch.

Du bist mir sympathisch.

[Subject] + wirken + sympathisch.

Der Film wirkt sympathisch.

[Determiner] + sympathisch- + [Noun].

Ein sympathischer Kollege.

[Subject] + kommen + [Adverb] + sympathisch + rüber.

Er kommt sehr sympathisch rüber.

sympathisch + [Adjective] + [Noun].

Seine sympathisch ehrliche Art.

Die Sympathie + [Verb] + [Noun].

Die Sympathie für ihn wächst.

Word Family

Nouns

die Sympathie (sympathy/liking)

der Sympathisant (supporter/sympathizer)

der Sympathieträger (likable person)

die Unsympathie (dislike)

Verbs

sympathisieren (to sympathize with/support)

zusagen (to appeal to - related in meaning)

Adjectives

unsympathisch (unlikeable)

sympathieerregend (arousing sympathy/liking)

Empathie

Antipathie

Mitgefühl

Ausstrahlung

Charisma

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written German.

Common Mistakes

Ich bin sympathisch mit dir. → Ich habe Mitleid mit dir.
You are trying to say 'I am sympathetic towards you.' But 'sympathisch' means 'likable.' You just said 'I am likable with you,' which makes no sense.
Ein sympathisch Mann. → Ein sympathischer Mann.
Adjectives before nouns need endings. For a masculine noun in the nominative case after 'ein,' you need '-er.'
Das ist sehr sympathisch (when someone is crying). → Das ist sehr traurig / Das tut mir leid.
Using 'sympathisch' to describe a sad situation is a major error. It implies you find the sadness pleasant.
Er sympathisch. → Er ist sympathisch.
Don't forget the verb 'sein.' Adjectives need a verb to link them to the subject.
Sie ist eine sympathischere Person. → Sie ist eine sympathischere Person.
Wait, this is actually correct! But learners often forget how to form the comparative. Add '-er' before the adjective ending: sympathisch + er + e.

Tips

Adjective Endings

Always remember the ending if it's before a noun: 'Ein sympathischer Kollege' (masculine) needs that '-er' in the nominative case.

Avoid Nett

Try to use 'sympathisch' instead of 'nett' when describing someone's character. It sounds more natural and less like a cliché.

The Dative Secret

Use 'Du bist mir sympathisch' to sound like a native speaker. It's a very common way to express that you like someone.

The Soft CH

Make sure the 'ch' at the end is the soft 'ich-Laut', not a hard 'k' or 'sh'. Practice by saying 'ich' and then 'sympathisch'.

Job Interviews

In German job interviews, looking 'sympathisch' is just as important as your CV. It shows you will fit into the team.

False Friend

Never use 'sympathisch' for pity. If a friend is sad, don't say 'Das ist sympathisch'—it would sound like you are happy they are sad!

Intensifiers

Use 'äußerst' or 'ausgesprochen' before 'sympathisch' in writing to sound more sophisticated.

Sympathiewerte

In the news, listen for 'Sympathiewerte'. It refers to how much the public likes a certain politician or celebrity.

S for Smile

Sympathisch = Smile. If someone makes you smile because they are nice, they are sympathisch.

Sympathieträger

Learn the noun 'Sympathieträger' to describe someone who is the 'likable face' of a group or movement.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Sympathy' but for someone's 'Vibe'. If you have 'Sympathie' for their vibe, they are 'Sympathisch'.

Visual Association

Imagine a person with a bright yellow aura and a warm smile. That 'aura' is their 'Sympathie', making them 'sympathisch'.

Word Web

Lächeln Charakter Mensch Nett Freundlich Ausstrahlung Mögen Erster Eindruck

Challenge

Try to describe three people you know today using 'sympathisch'. One friend, one celebrity, and one person you saw on the street.

Word Origin

Derived from the Greek word 'sympatheia' (συμπάθεια), meaning 'fellow-feeling' or 'suffering together'. It entered German via the Latin 'sympathia' and the French 'sympathique'.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to a shared feeling or a connection between things. Over time, the German meaning narrowed toward 'likable' while the English meaning focused on 'compassion'.

Indo-European (Greek -> Latin -> German)

Cultural Context

Calling someone 'unsympathisch' is a clear social rejection. Use it carefully, as it targets their character rather than just their actions.

English speakers must be careful not to say 'I am sympathetic' when they mean 'I am likable.' In English, 'sympathetic' is what you feel when someone is in pain.

The 'Sympathieträger' award is often discussed in German media regarding athletes like Thomas Müller. Loriot, the famous German humorist, often played with characters who tried to be 'sympathisch' but failed hilariously. The concept of 'Sympathie' is central to the German version of 'The Bachelor' (Der Bachelor).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Meeting someone for the first time

Du bist mir sympathisch.
Er wirkt sehr sympathisch.
Ein sympathischer erster Eindruck.
Wir waren uns gleich sympathisch.

Job Interviews

Ein sympathisches Auftreten haben.
Der Kandidat ist uns sympathisch.
Sympathiepunkte sammeln.
Fachlich gut und sympathisch.

Dating

Ich finde dich sympathisch.
Sie ist total sympathisch.
Hast du ihn sympathisch gefunden?
Die Chemie und Sympathie stimmen.

Talking about celebrities

Ein echter Sympathieträger.
Er kommt sympathisch rüber.
Hohe Sympathiewerte haben.
Überraschend sympathisch sein.

Describing places or ideas

Ein sympathisches Café.
Eine sympathische Atmosphäre.
Der Vorschlag klingt sympathisch.
Ein sympathisches kleines Dorf.

Conversation Starters

"Wer ist die sympathischste Person, die du kennst?"

"Was macht einen Menschen für dich sympathisch?"

"War dir dein bester Freund auf Anhieb sympathisch?"

"Findest du deutsche Schauspieler sympathisch?"

"Wie wichtig ist es, im Job sympathisch zu wirken?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Person, die du heute getroffen hast und die dir sympathisch war.

Warum ist es manchmal schwierig, jemanden sympathisch zu finden, den alle anderen mögen?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der dir jemand zuerst unsympathisch war, sich das aber später geändert hat.

Ist es wichtiger, kompetent oder sympathisch zu sein? Begründe deine Meinung.

Welche Eigenschaften machen eine fiktive Figur (aus einem Buch oder Film) sympathisch?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, absolutely not. That is a common mistake for English speakers. To say you feel sorry for someone, use 'Das tut mir leid' or 'Ich habe Mitleid'. 'Sympathisch' only means you like someone's personality.

'Nett' is more about how someone acts (being polite or kind). 'Sympathisch' is about the feeling you get from them—their vibe or personality. You can be 'nett' to someone you don't actually find 'sympathisch'.

You can say 'Ich finde dich sympathisch' or, even more naturally, 'Du bist mir sympathisch'.

Yes, it can be! You can describe a cozy café, a small town, or even a good idea as 'sympathisch'. It means the thing is appealing or has a good character.

The direct opposite is 'unsympathisch'. For example: 'Ich finde ihn total unsympathisch'.

It is neutral and can be used in almost any context, from a casual chat with friends to a formal job interview evaluation.

The 'y' is pronounced like a short German 'ü'. It's similar to the 'u' in the French word 'tu' or like the 'i' in 'sit' but with rounded lips.

Because it looks and sounds like the English word 'sympathetic', but they have different meanings. This leads many learners to use it incorrectly.

Yes, it's very common to describe the protagonist as a 'sympathische Hauptfigur' if they are meant to be liked by the audience.

Not necessarily. It focuses on character and personality. You can find someone very sympathisch without being romantically or physically attracted to them.