anfällig
susceptible
Definition & meaning
The adjective anfällig describes a state of being susceptible, prone, or vulnerable to something. It is most commonly used in the context of health, where it refers to a person's tendency to catch illnesses or infections easily.
Beyond health, the word is used in a technical or general sense to describe systems, objects, or ideas that are prone to errors, damage, or specific negative influences (e.g., a machine that is prone to breaking down or a system that is susceptible to manipulation).
Grammar & Word origin
Anfällig is an adjective that is declined according to standard German grammatical rules. It is derived from the verb anfallen , which can mean "to accrue," "to attack," or "to be incurred." The suffix -ig turns the verb into an adjective, indicating a tendency toward the action or state described by the root.
It is frequently used with the preposition für (e.g., "anfällig für Krankheiten" - susceptible to diseases) or gegen (e.g., "anfällig gegen Störungen" - susceptible to interference).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- empfänglich (receptive/susceptible)
- gefährdet (endangered/at risk)
- sensibel (sensitive/delicate)
- störanfällig (prone to malfunctions)
Antonyms:
Make “anfällig” part of your vocabulary.
Build your German vocabulary with flashcards, audio and spaced repetition.
Examples
Diese Pflanzen sind sehr anfällig für Krankheiten.adjective
These plants are very susceptible to diseases.
Menschen mit schwachem Immunsystem sind oft anfällig für Erkältungen.adjective
People with weak immune systems are often susceptible to colds.
Der Computer ist anfällig gegenüber Viren.adjective
The computer is susceptible to viruses.
Die alte Heizung ist im Winter besonders anfällig für Störungen.adjective
The old heating system is particularly susceptible to malfunctions in winter.
Keep exploring German
Learn words from the content you love.
Add words from websites, books and videos, then remember them with spaced repetition (SRS).
Scan for iPhone & iPad