das Empfinden
feeling
The personal perception or feeling that someone has regarding something.
EXAMPLE
Sein Empfinden für Gerechtigkeit ist besonders stark ausgeprägt.
His sense of justice is particularly strong.
das Empfinden
feeling / sensation
das Empfinden
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Empfinden
sensation
The ability to perceive physical stimuli or sensory impressions.
EXAMPLE
Durch die Verletzung war sein Empfinden in der Hand vorübergehend eingeschränkt.
Because of the injury, sensation in his hand was temporarily impaired.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Empfinden, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| genitive | des Empfindens |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Empfinden | – |
| accusative | das Empfinden | – |
| dative | dem Empfinden | – |
| genitive | des Empfindens | – |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
'Das Empfinden' (feeling/sensation) is derived from the verb 'empfinden' (to feel). In personal statements, it is often used with a possessive determiner or an adjective, emphasizing the individual perspective.
EXAMPLE
Ihr persönliches Empfinden hat sich nach dem Gespräch verändert.
Her personal feelings changed after the conversation.
Context clue
With abstract topics such as justice, beauty, or fairness, it usually refers to a personal assessment. Words such as hand, skin, pain, touch, or numbness, on the other hand, point to physical sensation.
EXAMPLE
Nach meinem Empfinden war die Entscheidung nicht fair.
In my opinion, the decision was not fair.
Nach der Betäubung kehrte das Empfinden in den Fingern langsam zurück.
After the anesthetic, sensation slowly returned to my fingers.
Empfinden für
For personal sensitivity or a feel for something, 'Empfinden' (feeling) is often used with 'für' and an accusative noun. Typical combinations include 'ein feines Empfinden für' (a fine feel for) and 'ein starkes Empfinden für' (a strong feeling for).
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein feines Empfinden für Farben und Formen.
She has a fine feel for colors and shapes.
Physical stimuli
In its physical sense, 'Empfinden' (sensation) is often used with words such as 'Wärme' (warmth), 'Kälte' (cold), 'Schmerz' (pain), or 'Berührung' (touch). Expressions of location with 'in' also often show which part of the body is perceiving something.
EXAMPLE
Durch die Erkrankung war das Empfinden von Wärme in den Füßen eingeschränkt.
Because of the illness, the sensation of warmth in his feet was impaired.
In real life
Loading video examples...