nearsighted / shortsighted
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nearsighted
Describes the condition of seeing things in the distance unclearly while nearby objects are seen clearly. Medically, this is called myopia.
Ohne meine Brille bin ich stark kurzsichtig und kann die Straßenschilder nicht lesen.
Without my glasses, I am very nearsighted and can't read the street signs.
The word is made up of 'kurz' (short) and 'sichtig' (sighted), which derives from the noun 'die Sicht' (sight / view). It literally describes the ability to see well only at short distances. This literal meaning is then transferred to thinking.
Seine kurzsichtige Planung hat später zu Problemen geführt.
His shortsighted planning led to problems later.
You can recognize the medical meaning from words like 'Brille' (glasses), 'Augen' (eyes), 'sehen' (to see), or 'Dioptrien' (diopters). The figurative meaning always refers to abstract things like 'Entscheidung' (decision), 'Planung' (planning), 'Politik' (politics / policy), or 'Handeln' (action).
Ich bin leicht kurzsichtig und brauche nur zum Autofahren eine Brille.
I am slightly nearsighted and only need glasses for driving.
To express that someone has this visual condition, you use the verb 'sein' (to be). The degree of nearsightedness can be described with adverbs like 'stark' (strongly / very), 'leicht' (slightly), or 'etwas' (somewhat).
Mein Bruder ist stark kurzsichtig und hat -5 Dioptrien.
My brother is very nearsighted and has -5 diopters.
In the figurative meaning, 'kurzsichtig' (shortsighted) often describes actions or ways of thinking. Typical combinations are 'eine kurzsichtige Entscheidung' (a shortsighted decision), 'kurzsichtiges Denken' (shortsighted thinking), or 'eine kurzsichtige Strategie' (a shortsighted strategy).
Kurzsichtiges Handeln im Umweltschutz wird uns teuer zu stehen kommen.
Shortsighted action in environmental protection will cost us dearly.
short-term / at short notice
'kurzfristig' and 'kurzsichtig' look similar, but they mean something completely different. 'kurzfristig' is used for time: something applies only for a short time or happens at short notice. 'kurzsichtig' is used literally for the eyes, when someone has trouble seeing things in the distance. Figuratively, it means a decision made without considering later consequences. The risk of confusion mainly comes from the similar beginning 'kurz-' and the similar form. Memory tip: 'kurzfristig' belongs to time, while 'kurzsichtig' belongs to seeing or to a lack of foresight.
Ohne Brille ist Lena kurzsichtig und erkennt die Straßenschilder zu spät.
Without glasses, Lena is nearsighted and recognizes the street signs too late.
Der Termin wurde kurzfristig auf morgen verschoben.
The appointment was moved to tomorrow at short notice.