susceptible / prone
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susceptible to
To be especially receptive or sensitive to something negative, especially illnesses or problems.
Im Winter bin ich immer besonders anfällig für Erkältungen.
In winter, I am always especially susceptible to colds.
prone
Having the quality of easily making errors, breaking down, or not functioning reliably.
Ältere Automodelle sind oft sehr reparaturanfällig.
Older car models are often very prone to needing repairs.
When describing what someone or something is susceptible to, you always use the preposition 'für' followed by the accusative.
Manche Menschen sind anfälliger für Stress als andere.
Some people are more susceptible to stress than others.
The context makes the meaning clear: if people or living beings are being discussed, it usually refers to susceptibility to illnesses or emotional problems. If devices or systems are being discussed, it refers to susceptibility to technical errors or malfunctions.
Mein Sohn ist leider sehr anfällig für Mittelohrentzündungen.
Unfortunately, my son is very susceptible to middle ear infections.
In technical contexts, 'anfällig' (susceptible/prone) is often used as the second part of compound adjectives. Examples are 'störanfällig' (prone to malfunction) or 'reparaturanfällig' (prone to needing repairs).
Das WLAN-Signal ist in diesem Teil des Hauses sehr störanfällig.
The Wi-Fi signal is very prone to interference in this part of the house.
sensitive
When referring to a device, empfindlich and anfällig can both point to a risk caused by external influences. Empfindlich emphasizes a strong reaction to a stimulus and the need for careful handling; anfällig focuses more on the tendency to develop malfunctions or damage as a result. Anfällig is more appropriate for recurring problems.
Das Messgerät ist anfällig für Störungen durch Feuchtigkeit und fällt bei feuchter Luft häufiger aus.
The measuring device is prone to malfunctions caused by moisture and breaks down more often in humid air.
Das Messgerät ist gegen Feuchtigkeit empfindlich und muss trocken gelagert werden.
The measuring device is sensitive to moisture and must be stored in a dry place.
