sensitive
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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.
sensitive
Emotionally sensitive; easily hurt, offended, or wounded.
Sei vorsichtig mit deiner Kritik, er ist in letzter Zeit sehr empfindlich.
Be careful with your criticism; he has been very sensitive lately.
substantial
Noticeable, considerable, or painful. Often used for negative things such as penalties, losses, or price increases.
Bei Falschparken drohen empfindliche Geldstrafen.
Parking illegally can result in substantial fines.
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 describe a major loss or a great deal of damage. Erheblich assesses its extent or significance objectively, while empfindlich also emphasizes the painful negative effect. Use erheblich for a neutral statement about size, and empfindlich for a noticeable and burdensome loss.
Der kleine Verein erlitt durch den Brand einen empfindlichen Verlust.
The small association suffered a substantial loss because of the fire.
Der Verein erlitt durch den Brand einen erheblichen Verlust.
The association suffered a considerable loss because of the fire.
