empfindlich

severely, painfully (as intensifier)

adverb em-PFINT-likh Rare

Also means

sensitively

Usage Note

Empfindlich used adverbially intensifies negative consequences: empfindlich bestrafen, empfindlich treffen. It signals that the impact is felt keenly. As an adjective it also means 'sensitive' or 'touchy'.

Examples

"Der Verein wurde für den Regelverstoß empfindlich bestraft."

Natural Translation

The club was severely punished for the rule violation.

Literal Translation

The club was for the rule-violation painfully punished.

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