condition / sensitivities
Loading your saved state.
condition
A person's current psychological, emotional, or physical state; how someone feels.
Der Arzt fragte den Patienten nach seiner allgemeinen Befindlichkeit.
The doctor asked the patient about his general condition.
The word is derived from the verb 'sich befinden' (to be situated / to be feeling). 'Die Befindlichkeit' (condition) therefore describes how a person 'sich befindet' (is feeling), that is, how they feel. It summarizes the emotional and physical state.
Yoga kann die geistige und körperliche Befindlichkeit verbessern.
Yoga can improve mental and physical condition.
The form of the noun gives a strong clue to the meaning. In the singular ('die Befindlichkeit' — the condition), it is usually neutral and describes the state. In the plural ('die Befindlichkeiten' — sensitivities), it is often disparaging and means exaggerated personal sensitivities.
Er erkundigte sich nach der Befindlichkeit seiner kranken Mutter.
He asked about the condition of his sick mother.
In the neutral meaning, 'Befindlichkeit' (condition) is often made more precise by adjectives. Common combinations are 'allgemeine' (general), 'körperliche' (physical), 'psychische' (psychological), or 'seelische Befindlichkeit' (emotional condition).
Regelmäßiger Schlaf ist wichtig für die psychische Befindlichkeit.
Regular sleep is important for psychological condition.
The plural form 'Befindlichkeiten' (sensitivities) is often used to express that a person's feelings or concerns are seen as selfish or unimportant. The phrase 'Rücksicht nehmen auf Befindlichkeiten' (to take sensitivities into account) is typical.
In einer Krise ist kein Platz für individuelle Befindlichkeiten.
In a crisis, there is no room for individual sensitivities.
condition / state
'der Zustand' and 'die Befindlichkeit' can both describe how a person is doing right now. 'der Zustand' is broader and can be physical, technical, or general. You can talk about the condition of a person, but also the condition of an apartment or a machine. 'die Befindlichkeit' refers only to people and to how they feel physically or emotionally. The word often sounds somewhat more formal or medical. When you are talking about things or a general situation, 'Zustand' fits. When you are talking about a person's personal feeling, 'Befindlichkeit' is more precise.
Die Ärztin fragt zuerst nach meiner aktuellen Befindlichkeit.
The doctor first asks about my current condition.
Der Zustand der alten Wohnung hat die Käufer überrascht.
The condition of the old apartment surprised the buyers.