squeamish / timid
Loading your saved state.
squeamish
Oversensitive or easily upset, especially with regard to pain, dirt, or inconvenience. Describes a person who is quickly disgusted or complains easily.
Beim Zelten darf man nicht so zimperlich sein, wenn mal ein Insekt im Zelt ist.
When camping, you can't be so squeamish if there happens to be an insect in the tent.
timid
Hesitant or excessively considerate when decisiveness would actually be required. Often used in the negative form.
Die Polizei ging nicht gerade zimperlich mit den Demonstranten um.
The police were not exactly timid in their treatment of the demonstrators.
In the meaning 'überempfindlich' (oversensitive), 'zimperlich' (squeamish) is often used in advice or commands, usually in the negative. A typical command is: 'Sei nicht so zimperlich!' (Don't be so squeamish!)
Du musst die Wunde säubern, jetzt sei doch nicht so zimperlich!
You have to clean the wound—now don't be so squeamish!
In the meaning 'zögerlich' (hesitant), the word is very often used in the negative. 'Nicht zimperlich sein' then means to act decisively, harshly, or ruthlessly.
Bei der Umstrukturierung war das neue Management nicht gerade zimperlich und hat viele Leute entlassen.
During the restructuring, the new management was not exactly timid and laid off a lot of people.
The phrase 'nicht zimperlich mit jemandem/etwas umgehen' (not to handle someone/something timidly) is very common. It describes a harsh or firm approach toward a person or thing.
Der Kritiker ging in seiner Rezension nicht zimperlich mit dem neuen Film um.
The critic was not timid in his review of the new film.
sensitive
Both words can describe someone who reacts strongly to pain or discomfort. Empfindlich emphasizes the easy reaction itself and is more neutral, while zimperlich often highlights whining about discomfort or disgust and usually sounds derogatory. Empfindlich is more appropriate in an objective description, while zimperlich suggests exaggerated aversion.
Beim Aufräumen der Garage war er zimperlich und beklagte sich über jeden kleinen Schmutz.
He was squeamish while cleaning out the garage and complained about every bit of dirt.
Seine Haut ist empfindlich und reagiert schnell auf das neue Waschmittel.
His skin is sensitive and reacts quickly to the new detergent.
