die Befindlichkeit
condition
A person's current psychological, emotional, or physical state; how someone feels.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt fragte den Patienten nach seiner allgemeinen Befindlichkeit.
The doctor asked the patient about his general condition.
die Befindlichkeit
condition / sensitivities
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Meanings
die Befindlichkeit
sensitivities
Often used in the plural and disparagingly for exaggerated sensitivities or egocentric concerns.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben keine Zeit, auf die persönlichen Befindlichkeiten jedes Einzelnen Rücksicht zu nehmen.
We don't have time to take every individual's personal sensitivities into account.
Usage tips
Word structure
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.
EXAMPLE
Yoga kann die geistige und körperliche Befindlichkeit verbessern.
Yoga can improve mental and physical condition.
Singular vs. plural
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.
EXAMPLE
Er erkundigte sich nach der Befindlichkeit seiner kranken Mutter.
He asked about the condition of his sick mother.
Typical adjectives
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).
EXAMPLE
Regelmäßiger Schlaf ist wichtig für die psychische Befindlichkeit.
Regular sleep is important for psychological condition.
Disparaging use
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.
EXAMPLE
In einer Krise ist kein Platz für individuelle Befindlichkeiten.
In a crisis, there is no room for individual sensitivities.
Compare with
Befindlichkeit vs Stimmung
mood / atmosphere
Stimmung and Befindlichkeit can both describe how a person is feeling at a particular moment. Stimmung refers to the emotional mood, while Befindlichkeit can also include the physical state. When only feelings are meant, Stimmung is appropriate; when the person's entire current state is meant, Befindlichkeit is appropriate.
Befindlichkeit
Nach der kurzen Nacht war ihre Befindlichkeit am Morgen deutlich schlechter.
After the short night's sleep, she was noticeably worse that morning.
Stimmung
Nach der schlechten Nachricht war ihre Stimmung den ganzen Nachmittag gedrückt.
After the bad news, her mood was low all afternoon.
In real life
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