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B1 adjective 12 min de leitura

gevoelig

Exemplos
Explicação gevoelig in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to understand basic Dutch vocabulary. The word 'gevoelig' is not typically taught in the very first lessons, as beginners usually focus on simpler adjectives like 'goed' (good), 'slecht' (bad), 'groot' (big), and 'klein' (small). However, you might encounter it in everyday life, especially in supermarkets or pharmacies. For example, you might see a tube of toothpaste that says 'voor gevoelige tanden' (for sensitive teeth). At this stage, you do not need to worry about the complex grammar rules or the different emotional meanings. Simply recognize that 'gevoelig' means something is sensitive or delicate. If you have a physical complaint, like a painful tooth or a skin rash, pointing to it and saying 'gevoelig' to a doctor or pharmacist is a perfectly acceptable way to communicate that it hurts or is sensitive. You might also hear a parent say their child is 'gevoelig' if the child is crying. Focus on recognizing the word visually and auditorily. The pronunciation can be tricky because of the 'g' sounds and the 'oe' vowel. Practice listening to native speakers say it, and try to mimic the rhythm. Remember that the suffix '-ig' sounds like '-uhg'. For now, just associate the word with the English concept of 'sensitive' and look out for it on product labels.
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As you progress to the A2 level, you start building more complex sentences and expressing your basic feelings and physical states. Now, 'gevoelig' becomes a very useful word to actively include in your vocabulary. You will learn to use it with the verb 'zijn' (to be). For example, 'Ik ben gevoelig' (I am sensitive) or 'Mijn huid is gevoelig' (My skin is sensitive). You will also learn the crucial preposition that goes with it: 'voor'. If you want to say you are sensitive to the cold, you say 'Ik ben gevoelig voor de kou'. This is a fixed combination you should memorize. At A2, you also start encountering the adjective ending '-e'. You need to practice saying 'een gevoelige huid' (a sensitive skin) instead of 'een gevoelig huid', because 'huid' is a de-word. You might use this word when talking to friends about your personality or when visiting a doctor to describe symptoms. It is also helpful when discussing weather, as many people are 'gevoelig voor de zon' (sensitive to the sun). Start paying attention to how native speakers use this word in simple conversations. You will notice it is used both for physical pain and for emotions. If a friend is easily upset, you might describe them as 'een beetje gevoelig' (a little sensitive). Mastering this word at A2 gives you a great tool for describing yourself and your reactions to the world around you.
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At the B1 level, your ability to express opinions, describe abstract concepts, and navigate social situations in Dutch expands significantly. The word 'gevoelig' becomes essential for your daily communication. You will move beyond just physical sensitivity and start using it to describe complex emotional states and delicate social situations. A key phrase you must learn at this level is 'een gevoelig onderwerp' (a sensitive topic). You will use this when discussing politics, religion, money, or personal problems. You also need to understand the idiomatic expression 'dat ligt gevoelig' (that is a sensitive matter), which is extremely common in Dutch workplaces and news broadcasts. At B1, your grammar must be accurate. You must consistently apply the '-e' ending correctly in attributive positions (e.g., 'het gevoelige kind', 'een gevoelig punt'). You should also be comfortable using adverbs to modify the adjective, such as 'erg gevoelig' (very sensitive) or 'te gevoelig' (too sensitive). Furthermore, you will start encountering compound words like 'stressgevoelig' (sensitive to stress) or 'kougevoelig' (sensitive to cold). These are very common in job descriptions and medical texts. You will also learn the noun form, 'gevoeligheid' (sensitivity), which allows you to discuss the concept abstractly. By mastering 'gevoelig' at the B1 level, you demonstrate that you can handle nuanced conversations and understand the cultural importance of tact and directness in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Reaching the B2 level means you are communicating with a high degree of fluency and spontaneity. Your use of 'gevoelig' should reflect this advanced understanding. At this stage, you are expected to use the word in professional and academic contexts. You will frequently encounter terms like 'gevoelige informatie' (sensitive information) and 'privacygevoelig' (privacy-sensitive) in discussions about data protection, GDPR, and corporate security. You must be able to write formal emails or reports using these terms correctly. In social and professional interactions, you will use 'gevoelig' to navigate interpersonal dynamics. If you need to give feedback to a colleague, you might recognize that they are 'gevoelig voor kritiek' (sensitive to criticism) and adjust your language accordingly. You will also use the word to analyze political situations, noting that a certain policy is 'politiek gevoelig' (politically sensitive). At B2, you should also be familiar with synonyms and related terms, such as 'kwetsbaar' (vulnerable) and 'vatbaar' (susceptible), and know exactly when to choose 'gevoelig' over these alternatives. Your pronunciation should be natural, smoothly integrating the word into fast-paced speech without stumbling over the 'g' sounds. You will also understand idiomatic expressions like 'de gevoelige snaar raken' (to strike a sensitive chord). Mastering the varied applications of this word at B2 allows you to participate fully in complex Dutch society, both personally and professionally.
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At the C1 level, your mastery of Dutch is advanced, and you can express yourself fluently and precisely on a wide range of complex subjects. Your use of 'gevoelig' should be effortless and highly nuanced. You will easily comprehend and employ the word in abstract, literary, and highly specialized contexts. You will readily understand compound adjectives created spontaneously by native speakers, such as 'conjunctuurgevoelig' (sensitive to economic cycles) in financial news, or 'hoofdlettergevoelig' (case-sensitive) in IT contexts. You will use the word to analyze subtle psychological states and complex societal issues. When discussing literature or art, you might describe a character's 'fijngevoeligheid' (delicate sensitivity) or note how a piece of music 'raakt een gevoelige snaar' (strikes a sensitive chord). Your grammatical accuracy is impeccable; you never hesitate when applying the correct adjective endings or prepositions. You are fully aware of the subtle differences between 'gevoelig', 'sensibel', 'teer', and 'kwetsbaar', and you select the exact right word for the desired rhetorical effect. You can also play with the language, using 'ongevoelig' (insensitive) to critique a lack of empathy in political discourse. At C1, 'gevoelig' is not just a vocabulary word to remember; it is a flexible tool that you manipulate to convey precise shades of meaning, demonstrating your deep integration into the Dutch linguistic and cultural landscape.
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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of the Dutch language. Your understanding and usage of 'gevoelig' encompass all its historical, cultural, and idiomatic dimensions. You recognize how the concept of sensitivity interacts with the traditional Dutch cultural values of directness and Calvinist sobriety. You can engage in sophisticated debates about whether society is becoming 'te gevoelig' (too sensitive) or 'overgevoelig' (hypersensitive), using terms like 'lange tenen hebben' (to have long toes / be easily offended) alongside 'gevoelig'. You effortlessly navigate academic texts where 'gevoeligheid' refers to statistical sensitivity or diagnostic accuracy. You appreciate the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to the broader family of words derived from 'voelen' (to feel). In creative writing or high-level rhetoric, you use 'gevoelig' to craft compelling narratives, perhaps contrasting a 'gevoelige kwestie' (sensitive issue) with 'meedogenloos beleid' (ruthless policy). You are entirely comfortable with regional variations and subtle shifts in register, knowing exactly when 'gevoelig' sounds appropriately formal, empathetic, or analytical. At this pinnacle of language proficiency, your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, reflecting a profound comprehension of how the Dutch language articulates the human experience of feeling and reacting to the world.
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Exemplos
The Dutch word gevoelig is an incredibly versatile adjective that translates most directly to sensitive in English. However, its usage spans across a wide variety of contexts, from emotional states and physical sensations to delicate situations and data security. Understanding how and when to use this word is crucial for achieving fluency in Dutch, particularly at the B1 level and beyond. In its most common everyday usage, gevoelig describes a person who is quick to detect or respond to changes, especially emotional ones. If someone is easily offended, deeply empathetic, or profoundly affected by art and music, they are considered to be erg gevoelig. This emotional sensitivity can be seen as both a positive trait, indicating empathy and awareness, and a negative one, suggesting that someone is perhaps too easily upset or fragile.
Emotional Sensitivity
Used to describe someone who feels emotions deeply or is easily hurt by the words or actions of others. It implies a high level of emotional reactivity.

Zij is erg gevoelig voor kritiek van haar collega's.

Beyond emotional states, the word is frequently used in physical contexts. If you have sensitive teeth that hurt when you eat ice cream, or skin that easily burns in the sun, you would use gevoelig. This physical application is very common in medical or health-related discussions.
Physical Sensitivity
Refers to a body part that is easily irritated, painful, or reactive to external stimuli like temperature, pressure, or chemicals.

Ik heb een gevoelige huid die snel rood wordt.

Another major domain for this word is in describing topics, issues, or situations that require tact and diplomacy. A sensitive topic in politics or a delicate issue in a relationship is described as een gevoelig onderwerp. This means that discussing it might cause anger, embarrassment, or sadness, and therefore it must be handled with care.
Delicate Situations
Describes subjects, information, or situations that are controversial, private, or likely to provoke a strong negative reaction if not handled carefully.

Geld is vaak een gevoelig onderwerp binnen families.

Furthermore, the word appears in technical and modern contexts. For instance, sensitive information (like passwords or personal data) is translated as gevoelige informatie. In computing, case-sensitive is translated as hoofdlettergevoelig. The root of the word comes from the verb voelen, which means to feel. The suffix -ig turns it into an adjective, literally meaning feel-y or prone to feeling. This etymological connection makes it very easy to remember for English speakers who know that feeling and voelen are cognates.

Deel nooit gevoelige gegevens via een onbeveiligd netwerk.

Dit wachtwoord is hoofdlettergevoelig.

In summary, whether you are discussing a friend who is easily brought to tears, a toothache, a political scandal, or data protection, this word is your go-to adjective. Its broad applicability makes it a high-frequency word that you will encounter daily in Dutch newspapers, conversations, and broadcasts. Mastering its various nuances will significantly enhance your ability to express complex thoughts and navigate delicate social situations in the Netherlands and Flanders.
Using the word gevoelig correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Dutch adjective inflection rules, prepositional combinations, and sentence structure. Because it is an adjective, it will often take the -e ending depending on the gender of the noun it modifies and the article preceding it. Let us break down the grammatical mechanics to ensure you can use this word flawlessly in any context. When used attributively (placed directly before a noun), you must apply the standard Dutch adjective rules. If the noun is a de-word (common gender), the adjective always gets an -e ending. For example, de gevoelige snaar (the sensitive string/chord) or een gevoelige jongen (a sensitive boy). If the noun is a het-word (neuter gender), the adjective gets an -e ending when preceded by het, but no ending when preceded by een or nothing at all.
Attributive Usage (De-words)
Always add an -e to the adjective when it comes before a de-word, regardless of whether you use definite or indefinite articles.

Zij heeft een gevoelige maag.

Attributive Usage (Het-words)
Add an -e after 'het', but use the base form after 'een' or when there is no article.

Dat is een gevoelig punt voor hem.

Het gevoelige kind begon meteen te huilen.

When used predicatively (after a linking verb like zijn, worden, or blijven), the adjective never takes an -e ending. It remains in its base form. This is a strict rule in Dutch grammar that applies to all adjectives.

Mijn tanden zijn erg gevoelig.

Another critical aspect of using this word is knowing which prepositions it pairs with. When you want to say that someone or something is sensitive to or susceptible to something, you use the preposition voor. This is a fixed collocation that you should memorize as a single unit: gevoelig voor.
Prepositional Phrase
Always use 'voor' when indicating what the subject is sensitive to. Do not translate the English 'to' literally as 'aan' or 'naar'.

Oudere mensen zijn vaak gevoelig voor de kou.

You can also intensify the adjective using adverbs like heel (very), erg (very), bijzonder (particularly), or uiterst (extremely). Conversely, you can soften it with een beetje (a little) or vrij (quite/rather). Understanding these grammatical structures and collocations will make your Dutch sound much more natural and precise. Practice combining the word with different nouns, both de and het words, and practice using the preposition voor to describe various sensitivities.
The word gevoelig is ubiquitous in the Dutch-speaking world, permeating almost every layer of daily life, from casual conversations to professional environments and news broadcasts. Because the Dutch culture values directness (often referred to as bespreekbaarheid, or the ability to discuss anything), identifying what is actually a sensitive topic is a frequent occurrence. You will hear this word constantly when people navigate social boundaries. In the workplace, human resources and management frequently use this term. When giving constructive criticism, a manager might warn that a particular employee is erg gevoelig, meaning feedback must be delivered gently. During meetings, if a controversial policy change is proposed, a colleague might interject by saying, Dat ligt nogal gevoelig (That is quite a sensitive matter). This phrase, liggen + gevoelig, is a highly idiomatic way to describe a situation that is politically or socially delicate.
Workplace and Politics
Used to flag topics that might cause conflict, require diplomacy, or involve confidential company or political information.

De reorganisatie ligt erg gevoelig bij het personeel.

In the realm of healthcare and personal wellness, the word is equally prevalent. Commercials for toothpaste constantly advertise products for gevoelige tanden (sensitive teeth). Dermatologists and skincare brands market creams specifically designed for een gevoelige huid (sensitive skin). If you visit a doctor in the Netherlands or Belgium, they might ask if a specific area on your body is gevoelig when they press on it, meaning tender or painful.
Healthcare and Advertising
Frequently used in medical consultations to ask about pain, and in marketing for personal care products aimed at easily irritated skin or teeth.

Gebruik deze crème als u een gevoelige huid heeft.

In the digital age, the word has taken on a critical role in discussions about privacy and technology. News articles frequently discuss data breaches involving gevoelige informatie (sensitive information) or privacygevoelige gegevens (privacy-sensitive data). The Dutch are highly aware of GDPR (known as AVG in Dutch), so terms combining privacy and sensitivity are incredibly common in news media and corporate communications.
Technology and Privacy
Describes data that must be protected, such as medical records, financial details, or personal identification information.

Het ziekenhuis is gehackt en er is gevoelige informatie gestolen.

Let op, het systeem is hoofdlettergevoelig.

We moeten voorzichtig omgaan met deze privacygevoelige documenten.

Finally, in everyday social interactions, you might hear the idiom de gevoelige snaar raken (to touch a sensitive chord/nerve). This is used when a movie, a song, or a piece of news deeply moves someone emotionally. Understanding these diverse contexts will help you not just translate the word, but truly comprehend the cultural and situational nuances of Dutch communication.
When learning the word gevoelig, English speakers tend to make a few predictable errors, mostly stemming from direct translation habits, false friends, and the complexities of Dutch grammar. By being aware of these common pitfalls, you can accelerate your mastery of the language and avoid sounding unnatural. The most frequent mistake involves the choice of preposition. In English, we say that someone is sensitive TO something. Naturally, many learners translate this directly to sensitive AAN or sensitive NAAR in Dutch. This is incorrect in standard Dutch. The correct preposition is always voor.
Preposition Error
Using 'aan' or 'naar' instead of the correct preposition 'voor' when indicating what causes the sensitivity.

Fout: Hij is gevoelig aan koud weer.

Goed: Hij is gevoelig voor koud weer.

Another common mistake is related to spelling and pronunciation. The word ends in -ig, which in standard Dutch is pronounced as a schwa followed by a soft G (like /əx/). Many learners over-pronounce the 'i' as a sharp 'ee' sound, or pronounce the 'g' as a hard English 'g'. Furthermore, when adding the -e ending for attributive use, learners sometimes forget that the spelling remains the same, just with an 'e' added: gevoelige.
Pronunciation and Spelling
Mispronouncing the suffix '-ig' or forgetting the grammatical '-e' ending when modifying a noun.

Zorg dat je 'een gevoelige kwestie' zegt, met de extra -e.

A more subtle mistake involves confusing sensitive with sensible. In English, sensible means practical and reasonable (e.g., sensible shoes). In Dutch, the word for sensible is verstandig or redelijk. If you try to use the Dutch loanword sensibel, be aware that it actually means sensitive, not sensible! It is a classic false friend. However, sensibel is quite formal and less common than gevoelig.
False Friends
Confusing the English 'sensible' with the Dutch concept of sensitivity. Remember: sensible = verstandig; sensitive = gevoelig.

Het is niet verstandig (sensible) om dat gevoelige (sensitive) onderwerp aan te snijden.

Zij is een heel gevoelig persoon (She is a very sensitive person).

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the idiom 'dat ligt gevoelig'. They might try to translate 'that is a sensitive topic' literally as 'dat is een gevoelig onderwerp', which is perfectly correct, but they miss out on the much more natural and common phrasing 'dat ligt gevoelig'. Embracing this specific phrasing will instantly elevate your Dutch from textbook-level to native-sounding. Pay close attention to these nuances, and your usage of this essential adjective will become flawless.
While gevoelig is the most common and versatile word for sensitive, the rich Dutch language offers several synonyms and related terms that provide more specific nuances. Choosing the right alternative can make your speech more precise, especially in literary, medical, or highly formal contexts. Let us explore some of the most useful alternatives and when to use them instead of the standard word. One common synonym is kwetsbaar, which translates to vulnerable or fragile. While someone who is sensitive might also be vulnerable, kwetsbaar emphasizes the potential for being damaged or hurt, rather than just the capacity to feel deeply. You would use kwetsbaar for a fragile ecosystem, a weak immune system, or someone in a precarious emotional state.
Kwetsbaar vs Gevoelig
'Kwetsbaar' means vulnerable and focuses on the risk of harm, whereas 'gevoelig' focuses on the reactivity to stimuli.

Ouderen zijn vaak kwetsbaar voor het virus.

Another excellent alternative is vatbaar, which means susceptible or prone to. This is often used in medical contexts (susceptible to a disease) or psychological contexts (susceptible to influence). If you are vatbaar voor griep, you catch the flu easily. If you are gevoelig voor griep, it sounds slightly less natural, though people will understand you.
Vatbaar vs Gevoelig
'Vatbaar' is best used for susceptibility to diseases, suggestions, or influences, rather than emotional sensitivity.

Hij is erg vatbaar voor de meningen van anderen.

If you want to describe someone who is tactful and handles situations with great care and empathy, you can use the compound word fijngevoelig. This literally translates to fine-sensitive and is a very positive trait, unlike standard sensitivity which can sometimes be seen as a weakness.
Fijngevoelig vs Gevoelig
'Fijngevoelig' implies tact, diplomacy, and a refined sense of empathy, making it exclusively positive.

Zij bracht het slechte nieuws op een zeer fijngevoelige manier.

Die oude vaas is erg teer.

Sensoren zijn vaak gevoelig voor stof.

By expanding your vocabulary to include words like kwetsbaar, vatbaar, and fijngevoelig, you can express yourself with much greater precision. While the core word remains your most reliable tool for general sensitivity, these alternatives will make your Dutch sound significantly more advanced and nuanced.
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Exemplos por nível

1

Mijn tand is gevoelig.

My tooth is sensitive.

Simple predicative use of the adjective. No -e ending.

2

De baby is gevoelig.

The baby is sensitive.

Used to describe a person's state.

3

Gevoelige tanden.

Sensitive teeth.

Attributive use with a plural noun, requires the -e ending.

4

Ik heb een gevoelige huid.

I have a sensitive skin.

Attributive use with a de-word (de huid), requires the -e ending.

5

Is het gevoelig?

Is it sensitive?

Used as a question about physical pain.

6

Dat is gevoelig.

That is sensitive.

Basic sentence structure using 'dat is'.

7

Een gevoelig kind.

A sensitive child.

Attributive use with a het-word (het kind) and the indefinite article 'een', so NO -e ending.

8

Mijn oog is gevoelig.

My eye is sensitive.

Describing a specific body part.

1

Ik ben erg gevoelig voor koud weer.

I am very sensitive to cold weather.

Introduces the preposition 'voor' (sensitive to).

2

Zij heeft een erg gevoelige maag.

She has a very sensitive stomach.

Using an adverb 'erg' to intensify the adjective.

3

Deze plant is gevoelig voor te veel water.

This plant is sensitive to too much water.

Applying the concept to non-human subjects.

4

Mijn oren zijn gevoelig voor harde geluiden.

My ears are sensitive to loud noises.

Plural subject with predicative adjective (no -e).

5

Hij is een beetje gevoelig vandaag.

He is a bit sensitive today.

Using 'een beetje' (a little) to soften the adjective.

6

Heb jij ook gevoelige ogen in de zon?

Do you also have sensitive eyes in the sun?

Formulating a question with an attributive adjective.

7

Die shampoo is voor de gevoelige hoofdhuid.

That shampoo is for the sensitive scalp.

Definite article 'de' with a de-word, requires -e ending.

8

Katten zijn vaak gevoelig voor veranderingen.

Cats are often sensitive to changes.

Using 'voor' with abstract nouns (veranderingen).

1

Geld is altijd een gevoelig onderwerp in onze familie.

Money is always a sensitive topic in our family.

Crucial B1 phrase: 'een gevoelig onderwerp' (no -e because it's 'het onderwerp').

2

Dat ligt erg gevoelig bij de directeur.

That is a very sensitive matter for the director.

Idiomatic expression: 'liggen + gevoelig'.

3

Je moet voorzichtig zijn, want ze is erg gevoelig voor kritiek.

You have to be careful, because she is very sensitive to criticism.

Combining complex clauses and the 'gevoelig voor' structure.

4

De leraar pakte de gevoelige kwestie heel goed aan.

The teacher handled the sensitive issue very well.

Using 'kwestie' (issue), a common collocation.

5

Dit systeem is hoofdlettergevoelig, dus let goed op.

This system is case-sensitive, so pay close attention.

Introduction of the compound adjective 'hoofdlettergevoelig'.

6

Door zijn ziekte is hij extra gevoelig voor infecties.

Because of his illness, he is extra sensitive to infections.

Medical context using 'extra' as an intensifier.

7

We moeten een oplossing vinden voor dit gevoelige probleem.

We need to find a solution for this sensitive problem.

'Het probleem' with 'dit' requires the -e ending: 'dit gevoelige probleem'.

8

Ik wist niet dat dat zo gevoelig lag.

I didn't know that was such a sensitive matter.

Past tense of the idiom 'gevoelig liggen'.

1

Het bedrijf weigert commentaar te geven op deze politiek gevoelige zaak.

The company refuses to comment on this politically sensitive case.

Using an adverb (politiek) to modify the adjective (gevoelige).

2

Er is veel privacygevoelige informatie gelekt tijdens de hack.

A lot of privacy-sensitive information was leaked during the hack.

Advanced compound adjective 'privacygevoelig'.

3

De kunstenaar heeft een zeer fijngevoelige manier van schilderen.

The artist has a very delicate/sensitive way of painting.

Using the synonym/compound 'fijngevoelig'.

4

Zij raakte precies de gevoelige snaar met haar toespraak.

She struck exactly the sensitive chord with her speech.

Standard Dutch idiom: 'de gevoelige snaar raken'.

5

Ondanks zijn stoere uiterlijk is hij verrassend gevoelig.

Despite his tough appearance, he is surprisingly sensitive.

Contrasting clauses to highlight the adjective.

6

De beurs is momenteel erg gevoelig voor internationaal nieuws.

The stock market is currently very sensitive to international news.

Financial/economic context.

7

We moeten de data anonimiseren omdat het om gevoelige persoonsgegevens gaat.

We must anonymize the data because it concerns sensitive personal data.

Legal/GDPR context ('persoonsgegevens').

8

Het is een uiterst gevoelig dossier dat met de grootste zorg behandeld moet worden.

It is an extremely sensitive file that must be handled with the greatest care.

Formal workplace language ('dossier', 'uiterst').

1

De geopolitieke situatie in die regio is buitengewoon gevoelig voor escalatie.

The geopolitical situation in that region is exceptionally sensitive to escalation.

High-level academic/political vocabulary ('buitengewoon', 'escalatie').

2

Zijn poëzie getuigt van een zeldzame gevoeligheid voor de tragiek van het alledaagse.

His poetry testifies to a rare sensitivity for the tragedy of the everyday.

Using the noun form 'gevoeligheid' in a literary context.

3

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