vulnerable / open to attack
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vulnerable
In a figurative sense, susceptible to criticism, accusations, or legal action. You offer a weak point that others can exploit.
Durch seine unklaren Aussagen machte sich der Politiker angreifbar.
With his unclear statements, the politician made himself vulnerable.
open to attack
In such a state that one can be physically attacked or injured easily; unprotected.
Ohne ihre Festungsmauern war die Stadt von allen Seiten angreifbar.
Without its fortress walls, the city was open to attack from all sides.
The adjective consists of the verb stem of 'angreifen' (to attack) and the ending '-bar'. The ending '-bar' means that something can be done. So 'angreifbar' literally means that someone or something can be attacked.
Ohne gute Argumente ist deine Position in der Diskussion sehr angreifbar.
Without good arguments, your position in the discussion is very vulnerable.
In the figurative sense, the reflexive phrase 'sich angreifbar machen' is often used. It means that through one's own behavior or statements, one offers a weak point for criticism.
Mit dieser unüberlegten Äußerung hat sich der Politiker angreifbar gemacht.
With this thoughtless remark, the politician made himself vulnerable.
You can tell from context whether the physical or figurative meaning is intended. If the topic is criticism, arguments, or laws, the figurative meaning is intended. If the topic is the military, security, or a fight, the physical meaning is intended.
Das neue Gesetz ist in mehreren Punkten rechtlich angreifbar.
The new law is legally vulnerable on several points.
In the figurative meaning, 'angreifbar' is often combined with adverbs such as 'rechtlich' (legally), 'politisch' (politically), or 'moralisch' (morally) to describe the type of weak point more precisely.
Sein Verhalten war moralisch angreifbar und führte zu öffentlicher Empörung.
His behavior was morally vulnerable and led to public outrage.
vulnerable
Angreifbar and verletzlich can both describe a person or their position as easy to harm. Angreifbar tends to emphasize a weak point that others can use for criticism or attacks, while verletzlich emphasizes sensitivity to hurt or offense. Use angreifbar for an exploitable weakness and verletzlich for sensitivity.
Durch den fehlenden Beweis ist seine Erklärung für Kritik angreifbar.
Because of the missing evidence, his explanation is open to criticism.
Nach den harten Worten fühlte sie sich besonders verletzlich.
After the harsh words, she felt especially vulnerable.
