Anfällbar

Anfällbar is a German adjective that translates to vulnerable, susceptible, or prone. It describes a state of being easily harmed, affected, or influenced by something. This can refer to physical vulnerability, such as a person or animal being susceptible to illness or injury, or it can describe a more abstract susceptibility, like a system being prone to failure or a person being easily swayed by emotional appeals.

The word anfällbar is derived from the verb anfällen, meaning to attack, to come upon, or to fall upon. This etymological connection highlights the idea of something being exposed to an attack or an unwanted influence. For instance, a person might be described as anfällbar for colds if they frequently get sick during flu season. Similarly, a computer system could be anfällbar to cyberattacks if it lacks adequate security measures.

In a broader sense, anfälligkeit (the noun form) can refer to a general disposition or tendency towards a particular condition or outcome. It implies a lack of resilience or a weakness that makes one open to negative consequences. Understanding what makes something anfällbar is often the first step in developing protective strategies or mitigation plans. This can involve strengthening defenses, improving immunity, or implementing preventative measures.