sensitive
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sensitive
Emotionally sensitive and empathetic; easily moved or hurt by emotional or social influences.
Er ist ein sehr sensibler Mensch und nimmt sich Kritik schnell zu Herzen.
He is a very sensitive person and quickly takes criticism to heart.
Careful: 'sensibel' means 'sensitive' in English. The English word 'sensible' (reasonable, practical) is 'vernünftig' in German. This is a very common mistake.
Sei bitte vorsichtig mit deiner Kritik, sie ist sehr sensibel.
Please be careful with your criticism; she is very sensitive.
The related noun is 'die Sensibilität' (sensitivity). It describes the quality of being empathetic or sensitive.
Im Umgang mit den Patienten ist hohe Sensibilität gefragt.
A high degree of sensitivity is required when dealing with patients.
In connection with information, 'sensibel' (sensitive) means that it is confidential and must be handled with care. Common combinations are 'sensible Daten' (sensitive data), 'sensible Informationen' (sensitive information), and 'ein sensibles Thema' (a sensitive topic).
Der Schutz sensibler Patientendaten hat höchste Priorität.
The protection of sensitive patient data is the highest priority.
When it comes to the body, 'sensibel' (sensitive) describes a strong reaction to external stimuli. Typical examples are 'sensible Haut' (sensitive skin), 'sensible Zähne' (sensitive teeth), or 'sensible Augen' (sensitive eyes).
Diese Zahnpasta wurde speziell für sensible Zähne entwickelt.
This toothpaste was developed especially for sensitive teeth.
The exact meaning of 'sensibel' (sensitive) depends on the noun it describes. A 'sensibler Mensch' is emotionally sensitive, 'sensible Haut' is easily irritated, and 'sensible Daten' are confidential.
Er ist ein sehr sensibler Mensch, der schnell verletzt ist.
He is a very sensitive person who is easily hurt.
emotional
'emotional' and 'sensibel' both have to do with feelings and can describe people. That is why learners may confuse them. 'emotional' says that someone shows feelings strongly, or that a situation is strongly shaped by feelings. 'sensibel' is more about someone being empathetic or easily hurt. A sensitive person does not necessarily show their feelings openly. An emotional person often shows them more strongly. 'sensibel' fits especially well when it is about treating people carefully.
Mein Bruder ist sensibel, deshalb kritisiere ich ihn vorsichtig.
My brother is sensitive, so I criticize him carefully.
Nach der Arbeit erzählt du die Nachricht sehr emotional.
After work, you tell the news very emotionally.