picky
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picky
Describing a person who has high standards and is hard to satisfy when choosing things. It often refers to food, but can also be used for clothing, partners, or other decisions.
Mein Kind ist beim Essen sehr wählerisch und mag fast kein Gemüse.
My child is very picky about food and likes almost no vegetables.
The adjective is derived from the verb 'wählen' (to choose). The ending '-erisch' often suggests an exaggerated or characteristic quality — here, the quality of choosing too carefully or too critically.
Sei nicht so wählerisch und nimm einfach ein T-Shirt!
Don't be so picky and just take a T-shirt!
To name the area in which someone is picky, the preposition 'bei' with the dative is typically used.
Er ist nur beim Essen wählerisch, bei Kleidung ist ihm alles egal.
He is only picky about food; when it comes to clothing, he doesn't care about anything.
Although the word can be used universally, it is used especially often in connection with food and drink to describe a person who rejects many foods.
Viele Kinder sind eine Zeit lang sehr wählerisch.
Many children are very picky for a while.
critical
'kritisch' and 'wählerisch' can both have to do with judging and choosing. 'kritisch' means that someone examines something closely and also points out problems or mistakes. This can apply to texts, plans, decisions, or behavior. 'wählerisch' describes more of a person who has high standards and is not easily satisfied, especially with food, clothing, or personal preferences. The words can be confused because both show a strict attitude. But 'kritisch' is about evaluation and possible criticism, while 'wählerisch' is about choice and personal standards.
Beim Essen ist mein Bruder sehr wählerisch und probiert kaum neue Gerichte.
My brother is very picky about food and hardly ever tries new dishes.
Im Gespräch war ich kritisch, weil der Reiseplan zu wenig Pausen hatte.
In the conversation, I was critical because the travel plan had too few breaks.