adapted / conformist
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adapted
Describes something or someone that behaves according to a particular situation, environment, or norm, or has been made suitable for it.
Die Software wurde speziell an die Bedürfnisse des Kunden angepasst.
The software was specially adapted to the customer's needs.
conformist
Describes a person who adapts excessively to the expectations of others or of society, giving up their own individuality in the process. This use often has a negative connotation.
Er ist ein sehr angepasster Mitarbeiter, der nie seine eigene Meinung sagt.
He is a very conformist employee who never states his own opinion.
'Angepasst' is the past participle of the verb 'anpassen' (to adapt). It therefore describes a state that is the result of an adaptation process.
Die Kleidung muss an das kalte Wetter angepasst werden.
The clothing must be adapted to the cold weather.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If 'angepasst' refers to things (e.g. plans, technology), it means 'made suitable'. If it critically refers to people's behavior, it means 'conformist'.
Die Diät wurde an ihre gesundheitlichen Bedürfnisse angepasst.
The diet was adapted to her health needs.
In the meaning 'made suitable', the preposition 'an' with the accusative is often used to name the target of the adaptation: 'etwas ist an etwas angepasst' (something is adapted to something).
Die Lautstärke der Musik war perfekt an die Raumgröße angepasst.
The volume of the music was perfectly adapted to the size of the room.
When 'angepasst' describes a person, it often has a negative connotation. It then means that someone does not show their own opinion out of fear or convenience and always goes along with the majority.
Sie kritisierte seine angepasste Haltung gegenüber dem Chef.
She criticized his conformist attitude toward the boss.
appropriate
When describing behavior that fits a social situation, both words are possible. „Angemessen“ evaluates the action as fitting and appropriately measured; „angepasst“ can emphasize that someone is strongly guided by external expectations and gives up their own individuality in the process. For simply describing a good fit with the situation, „angemessen“ is the better choice.
Mara stimmte trotz ihrer Zweifel sofort zu und wirkte sehr angepasst.
Despite her doubts, Mara immediately agreed and seemed very conformist.
Mara antwortete auf die Kritik ruhig und angemessen.
Mara responded to the criticism calmly and appropriately.
