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.
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.
visible
'sichtbar' and 'einsichtig' can both have to do with seeing, but they are used differently. 'sichtbar' generally means that something can be seen. In this sense, 'einsichtig' describes a place or area that you can look into from the outside. So the word is much more specific and fits, for example, a courtyard, garden, or room. Also important: when used for people, 'einsichtig' can have another meaning, namely understanding or reasonable. In relation to 'sichtbar', however, it is about places that can be seen into from the outside.
Der Innenhof ist von der Straße aus kaum einsichtig.
The courtyard can hardly be seen into from the street.
Im Schaufenster sind die neuen Schuhe gut sichtbar.
The new shoes are clearly visible in the shop window.