verletzlich
The English word 'vulnerable' can be translated into German as verletzlich, verwundbar, empfindlich or anfällig.
Meaning: exposed to attack (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| verletzlich | |
| verwundbar | [fɛɐ̯ˈvʊnt.baːɐ̯] (narrow) |
| empfindlich | |
| anfällig | /ˈanfɛlɪç/ /ˈanfɛlɪk/ |
While all these terms relate to being exposed to attack or harm, the specific word you choose depends on the type of vulnerability being described.
Which one should you use?
Use verwundbar when referring to physical or military vulnerability, such as a biological weakness or a weak point in armor. Use anfällig to describe being susceptible or prone to specific things like diseases, errors or weather conditions. Use empfindlich when describing vulnerability related to sensory or physical sensitivity, such as sensitive skin or a sensitive instrument.
Did you know?
- The word empfindlich can describe a 'noticeable' or 'sharp' difference, such as ein empfindlicher Unterschied. Here, vulnerability evolves into a sense of keen perception.
- The word anfällig is used for being 'prone' to things like illnesses or mistakes, and it comes from the noun Anfall, which refers to a sudden 'attack' or 'fit', such as a seizure.
- The term empfindlich can also describe a person who is 'touchy' or easily offended, moving the meaning from physical sensitivity to social sensitivity.
Examples in context
- Wir sind zu verletzlich.We're too vulnerable.This sentence shows how to use verletzlich to express being too vulnerable.Tatoeba #2597651 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2240706 by CK
- Wir sind alle verletzlich.We're all vulnerable.This sentence uses verletzlich to state that everyone is vulnerable.Tatoeba #8797725 by Melang, translation #2240815 by CK
- Achilles hatte eine verwundbare Ferse.Achilles had a vulnerable heel.This sentence demonstrates the use of verwundbar in the context of a physical weakness.Tatoeba #786094 by Manfredo, translation #10386936 by DJ_Saidez
- Die Opfer der Naturkatastrophe waren extrem anfällig für Krankheiten.The victims of the natural disaster were highly vulnerable to diseases.
- Er ist momentan sehr anfällig für Kritik.He is currently very vulnerable to criticism.
- Wenn ich an meine Vergangenheit denke, fühle ich mich oft verletzbar.When I think about my past, I often feel vulnerable.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are discussing home security.
- MaximilianDie Haustür ist nachts zu verletzlich.The front door is too vulnerable at night.
- LauraWas meinst du damit, Maximilian?What do you mean by that, Maximilian?
- MaximilianDas Schloss sieht sehr alt aus.The lock looks very old.
- LauraDann tauschen wir es morgen aus.Then we will replace it tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “vulnerable” translations and entries verletzlich, verwundbar, empfindlich, anfällig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anfällig, empfindlich, verletzlich, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
