empathetic
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empathetic
Having the ability to understand other people's feelings and thoughts and to respond to them considerately.
Sie ist eine sehr einfühlsame Freundin und hört immer gut zu.
She is a very empathetic friend and always listens well.
The adjective is built in a very vivid way: 'ein-fühl-sam'. It describes the ability to 'hinein-fühlen' (feel one's way into) other people. The ending '-sam' expresses a quality or ability.
Durch seine einfühlsame Art konnte er das Kind schnell beruhigen.
Through his empathetic manner, he was able to calm the child quickly.
'Einfühlsam' (empathetic) belongs to the word family of 'fühlen' (to feel). The related noun is 'das Einfühlungsvermögen' (empathy), which refers to the ability to empathize.
Gute Ärzte brauchen nicht nur Fachwissen, sondern auch viel Einfühlungsvermögen.
Good doctors need not only specialist knowledge, but also a great deal of empathy.
'Einfühlsam' (empathetic) often describes people or their actions. Typical combinations are 'ein einfühlsamer Mensch' (an empathetic person), 'ein einfühlsames Gespräch' (an empathetic conversation), or as an adverb: 'einfühlsam zuhören' (to listen empathetically) and 'einfühlsam reagieren' (to react empathetically).
Er hat sehr einfühlsam auf meine Sorgen reagiert.
He responded very empathetically to my worries.
pedagogical / educational
'pädagogisch' and 'einfühlsam' can both describe a careful and appropriate response to other people. 'einfühlsam' mainly emphasizes that someone understands other people's feelings and thoughts well and takes them into consideration. 'pädagogisch' fits especially in situations involving learning, upbringing, or guidance. It means that someone does not just react kindly, but also in a way that helps the other person understand something or develop well. 'einfühlsam' can be used much more broadly, for example with friends, patients, or family.
Die Ärztin spricht einfühlsam mit dem Patienten über seine Angst.
The doctor speaks empathetically with the patient about his fear.
Die Erzieherin findet eine pädagogische Lösung, als zwei Kinder sich streiten.
The kindergarten teacher finds an educationally sound solution when two children are arguing.