vulnerable / open to attack
Loading your saved state.
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.
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.
susceptible / prone
'anfällig' and 'angreifbar' both describe a weakness or a lack of protection. 'anfällig' is used when someone or something easily gets sick, breaks down, or develops problems. 'angreifbar' fits more when a person, an opinion, a decision, or a place can be attacked, criticized, or exploited by others. The words can overlap when talking about weak points. A practical distinction is: 'anfällig' describes more of an internal sensitivity, while 'angreifbar' describes more of a weakness against an attack from outside.
Ohne klare Beweise ist ihre Aussage vor Gericht angreifbar.
Without clear evidence, her statement is vulnerable in court.
Nach der langen Reise ist er anfällig für Erkältungen.
After the long journey, he is susceptible to colds.