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gebrechlich

frail, fragile (person)

adjective ge-BREKH-likh Rare
Descriptions & Qualities Conditions

Usage Note

gebrechlich specifically describes elderly or ill people who are physically delicate and at risk of injury; not usually applied to objects (unlike zerbrechlich). Implies vulnerability and need for care.

Examples

"Der gebrechliche Mann konnte die Treppen nicht mehr alleine steigen."

Natural Translation

The frail man could no longer climb the stairs on his own.

Literal Translation

The frail man could the stairs no longer climb alone.

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