anfälliger

Anfällig is a German adjective meaning prone to being affected by something; it describes a tendency to be influenced, harmed, or damaged rather than an absolute state. The form is used for people, animals, objects, or systems that are more easily affected than others. It is commonly followed by the preposition für with the object in the accusative, for example: anfällig für Krankheiten, anfällig für Infektionen, anfällig für Fehler. In medical contexts, it often refers to a higher likelihood of developing a condition; in technical contexts, it can describe systems or components that are more susceptible to faults or disruptions.

The comparative form is anfälliger, used to compare two subjects. For example: Der Patient ist anfälliger für Infektionen als andere. The superlative is am anfälligsten. When declined, the adjective follows standard German adjective endings in combination with articles or determiner phrases (ein anfälliger Patient, der anfällige Patient, dem anfälligen Patienten, etc.).

Etymology traces back to the prefix an- combined with fällig (liable, due), conveying liability or susceptibility. Related terms include empfindlich (sensitive), verwundbar or verletzlich (vulnerable), and empfänglich (receptive, susceptible in a broader sense). While all share a sense of being affected, anfällig emphasizes a tendency or likelihood rather than complete vulnerability.

In use, anfällig is neutral and factual, suitable for medical, technical, and everyday language. It is not a moral judgment, but a descriptor of increased susceptibility or risk, and it is often paired with for or gegen in various contexts to specify what one is susceptible to.