delicate

• Bezeichnet etwas Feines, Zartes oder Leichtes, das leicht beschädigt werden kann; auch für Situationen oder Themen, die Feingefühl und vorsichtige Behandlung erfordern.

Describes something that is fine, fragile, or easily damaged; can also refer to a situation requiring careful handling.

1. Easily broken or damagedB1formal

   Fragile or requiring careful handling.

   Zerbrechlich

   • Be careful with that glass; it's very delicate.
   • The delicate antique vase was wrapped in bubble wrap.
   • Delicate fabrics like silk need special care when washing.

   Synonymebreakablebrittledaintyflimsyfragilefrail

   Antonymedurablehardyrobuststrongsturdytough

2. Subtle or fineB1formal

   Very fine, subtle, or refined in texture, taste, or quality.

   Fein, zart

   • The dish has a delicate flavor of herbs and lemon.
   • She has a delicate sense of smell.
   • The painting shows delicate brushwork.

   Synonymedaintyetherealexquisitefinegracefulintricaterefinedsubtle

   Antonymecoarsecrudegrossharshrough

3. Sensitive or requiring tactB2formal

   Requiring careful or sensitive handling, especially in social situations.

   Taktvoll

   • This is a delicate matter that needs to be discussed privately.
   • He handled the delicate situation with great diplomacy.
   • The negotiations are at a delicate stage.

   Synonymeawkwardintricatesensitiveslipperysubtletactfultouchytricky

4. Frail or weak in healthB2formal

   Easily made ill or having a weak constitution.

   Schwächlich

   • The child has a delicate constitution and catches colds easily.
   • She has been in delicate health since the operation.
   • The elderly man is too delicate to travel long distances.

   Synonymeailingfeeblefrailinfirmsicklyunhealthyweak

   Antonymehardyhealthyrobuststrongsturdytough