understanding / visible
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understanding
Describes a person who understands and accepts a situation or the necessity of an action. The person shows reason and is willing to adjust their opinion or behavior.
Nach einer langen Diskussion war er endlich einsichtig und stimmte dem Kompromiss zu.
After a long discussion, he was finally understanding and agreed to the compromise.
visible
Describes a place or area that can be seen into from the outside. It means that you can look inside.
Die Terrasse ist von der Straße aus kaum einsichtig und bietet viel Privatsphäre.
The terrace is barely visible from the street and offers a lot of privacy.
The word is made up of 'ein' (in/into) and 'sichtig' (from 'Sicht', view). Literally, it means that one can 'look into' something. This applies both to understanding a problem and to looking into a room.
Ein einsichtiger Mensch kann die Argumente anderer verstehen.
An understanding person can understand other people's arguments.
The meaning depends on the subject. If 'einsichtig' refers to a person, it means 'understanding'. If it refers to a place or area, it means 'visible' or 'able to be seen into'.
Mein Chef war sehr einsichtig, als ich um einen Tag Urlaub bat.
My boss was very understanding when I asked for a day off.
When a person shows reason, the fixed expression 'sich einsichtig zeigen' (to show oneself to be understanding/reasonable) is often used. The subject is the person who changes their behavior.
Nach unserem Gespräch zeigte er sich einsichtig und entschuldigte sich.
After our conversation, he showed himself to be understanding and apologized.
To describe privacy, this meaning is often negated. Typical formulations are 'kaum einsichtig' (barely visible/able to be seen into) or 'nicht einsichtig' (not visible/able to be seen into).
Unser Balkon ist zum Glück von den Nachbarn nicht einsichtig.
Luckily, our balcony cannot be seen by the neighbors.
reasonable / decent
Vernünftig generally describes sensible, well-considered behavior. Einsichtig is used especially for a person who understands and accepts a necessity after it has been explained and is therefore willing to change their behavior.
Als die Ärztin ihm die Gefahr erklärte, zeigte sich Paul einsichtig und sagte die Reise ab.
When the doctor explained the danger to him, Paul understood and accepted it and canceled the trip.
Paul handelte vernünftig und sagte die Reise wegen seines Fiebers ab.
Paul acted reasonably and canceled the trip because of his fever.
