sensitivity
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sensitivity
The ability to perceive the feelings, moods, and needs of other people and to respond to them with understanding; empathy.
Im Umgang mit den Kindern zeigte die Erzieherin große Sensibilität.
In dealing with the children, the preschool teacher showed great sensitivity.
sensitivity
The quality of being emotionally easily hurt or reacting sensitively to external influences such as criticism or stress.
Wegen seiner hohen Sensibilität nimmt er sich jede Bemerkung sofort zu Herzen.
Because of his high sensitivity, he immediately takes every comment to heart.
sensitivity
The ability of the body or a sensory organ to react to physical or chemical stimuli.
Nach der Verletzung war die Sensibilität in seinen Fingerspitzen eingeschränkt.
After the injury, the sensitivity in his fingertips was reduced.
sensitivity
In technology, the ability of a measuring device or sensor to react to very small changes or small amounts of a substance.
Das neue Mikrofon hat eine extrem hohe Sensibilität und nimmt selbst leiseste Geräusche auf.
The new microphone has extremely high sensitivity and picks up even the faintest sounds.
The noun 'Sensibilität' (sensitivity) is derived from the adjective 'sensibel' (sensitive). The ending '-ität' is often used in German to form abstract nouns from adjectives that describe a quality.
Seine Sensibilität für die Kunst ist bewundernswert.
His sensitivity to art is admirable.
To express what the sensitivity relates to, you often use the preposition 'für' (for) followed by the accusative. This applies especially to abstract topics or groups of people.
Man braucht eine hohe Sensibilität für die Bedürfnisse der Patienten.
You need a high level of sensitivity to the needs of patients.
The context makes clear which meaning is intended. If it is about dealing with people, it means empathy. If it refers to the body, it is about sensitivity to stimuli. With devices, it means technical measurement sensitivity.
Ein guter Diplomat besitzt viel Sensibilität.
A good diplomat has a lot of sensitivity.
In the sense of empathy, 'Sensibilität' (sensitivity) is often combined with the verbs 'zeigen' (to show), 'beweisen' (to demonstrate), or 'besitzen' (to possess). You can also react to something 'mit Sensibilität' (with sensitivity).
Er hat in dieser schwierigen Situation große Sensibilität bewiesen.
He showed great sensitivity in this difficult situation.
When talking about physical sensory ability, the preposition 'in' with the dative is often used to name the affected body part.
Nach der Operation hatte er eine verminderte Sensibilität im linken Fuß.
After the operation, he had reduced sensitivity in his left foot.
sensitivity / sensibilities
Sensibilität and Empfindlichkeit can both describe a strong emotional reaction to criticism. Sensibilität sounds more neutral and describes a slight vulnerability. Empfindlichkeit can sound more negative, especially when the reaction is judged to be excessive or inappropriate.
Wegen seiner Sensibilität trifft ihn die deutliche Kritik seiner Kollegin tief.
Because of his sensitivity, his colleague's direct criticism hurts him deeply.
Seine Empfindlichkeit zeigt sich, weil er schon auf die kleinste Kritik seiner Kollegin heftig reagiert.
His oversensitivity is evident in the way he reacts vehemently to even the slightest criticism from his colleague.
