sensitive
Loading your saved state.
sensitive
Reacting easily to external stimuli, vulnerable, or easily damaged. Refers to the body, skin, or also materials.
Meine Haut ist sehr empfindlich und wird in der Sonne schnell rot.
My skin is very sensitive and quickly turns red in the sun.
The word 'empfindlich' (sensitive) is derived from the verb 'empfinden' (to feel, to perceive). Something that is 'empfindlich' can therefore 'feel' stimuli or influences especially strongly.
Er hat eine sehr empfindliche Nase und riecht alles sofort.
He has a very sensitive nose and smells everything right away.
When you want to describe what something or someone reacts sensitively to, you often use the preposition 'gegen' with the accusative.
Meine Augen sind sehr empfindlich gegen helles Licht.
My eyes are very sensitive to bright light.
In combination with negative terms such as penalties, losses, or prices, 'empfindlich' (sensitive/substantial) does not mean 'sensibel' (sensitive), but rather 'noticeable' or 'considerable'.
Der Konzern musste nach dem Skandal empfindliche Verluste hinnehmen.
The corporation had to accept substantial losses after the scandal.
In the emotional sense, 'empfindlich' (sensitive) is often connected with reactions to words or actions. Typical phrases are 'empfindlich auf Kritik reagieren' (to react sensitively to criticism) or 'ein empfindliches Thema ansprechen' (to bring up a sensitive topic).
Sprich das Thema Geld nicht an, er reagiert darauf sehr empfindlich.
Don't bring up the topic of money; he reacts very sensitively to it.
considerable
'erheblich' and 'empfindlich' can both mean that something is clearly noticeable or considerable. 'erheblich' is more neutral and fits many large differences, changes, or consequences. 'empfindlich' in this meaning is often used for something negative that hurts or creates a burden, for example losses, penalties, or price increases. 'erheblich' mainly describes the size. 'empfindlich' additionally emphasizes that the effect is unpleasant.
Wenn du die Rechnung zu spät bezahlst, kann eine empfindliche Strafe kommen.
If you pay the bill late, you may face a substantial penalty.
Yusuf hat seine Deutschkenntnisse in den letzten Monaten erheblich verbessert.
Yusuf has considerably improved his German skills over the last few months.