vulnerable
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vulnerable
Describes a person or living being that can be easily hurt or offended emotionally or physically. It refers to a high sensitivity to criticism, attacks, or pain.
Nach der Trennung fühlte er sich besonders verletzlich und zog sich zurück.
After the breakup, he felt especially vulnerable and withdrew.
The adjective 'verletzlich' (vulnerable) is derived from the verb 'verletzen' (to injure/hurt). The ending '-lich' expresses here that someone or something has the quality of being easily injured or hurt.
Kleine Kinder sind im Straßenverkehr besonders verletzlich.
Small children are especially vulnerable in traffic.
In emotional contexts, 'verletzlich' (vulnerable) is often combined with reflexive verbs like 'sich fühlen' (to feel), 'sich zeigen' (to show oneself), or 'sich machen' (to make oneself). It then describes a state or deliberate behavior.
Er hat keine Angst davor, sich verletzlich zu zeigen.
He is not afraid to show himself as vulnerable.
When referring to systems or abstract things, 'verletzlich' (vulnerable) is often used with nouns such as 'System' (system), 'Position' (position), 'Struktur' (structure), or 'Schwäche' (weakness). It then describes a vulnerable point.
Ohne aktuelle Updates ist die Software verletzlich für Angriffe.
Without current updates, the software is vulnerable to attacks.
sensitive
'empfindlich' and 'verletzlich' can both describe someone who reacts easily to pain, criticism, or problems. That is why they can sometimes be confused. 'empfindlich' is often used when someone is quickly offended, or when the body, skin, or a material reacts strongly to external stimuli. 'verletzlich' emphasizes more strongly that someone or something can be easily hurt, attacked, or damaged. With feelings, 'verletzlich' often sounds deeper and more serious than 'empfindlich'. A simple guide: 'empfindlich' often means easily irritated or sensitive, while 'verletzlich' means vulnerable or open to attack.
Nach der Trennung wirkte sie verletzlich und brauchte viel Ruhe.
After the breakup, she seemed vulnerable and needed a lot of quiet.
Mein Bruder ist bei Kritik sehr empfindlich und wird schnell still.
My brother is very sensitive to criticism and quickly becomes quiet.