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.
shortsighted
Describes a way of thinking or acting that considers only immediate advantages and ignores long-term consequences. It lacks foresight.
Die Entscheidung, die Investitionen in Bildung zu kürzen, war politisch sehr kurzsichtig.
The decision to cut investment in education was politically very shortsighted.
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
Both words can describe a decision with the near future in mind. Kurzfristig (short-term) initially refers only to the short time horizon, while kurzsichtig (shortsighted) criticizes a failure to adequately consider later consequences. Use kurzfristig neutrally for the time frame and kurzsichtig when there is a lack of foresight.
Die kurzsichtige Entscheidung spart dem Verein heute Geld, verursacht später aber hohe Kosten.
The shortsighted decision saves the club money today but causes high costs later.
Die kurzfristige Entscheidung spart dem Verein in diesem Monat Geld.
The short-term decision saves the club money this month.
