01
aggressiv
aggressive
Describes hostile, attack-oriented, or threatening behavior by a person or animal.
example
Der Hund reagiert auf Fremde sehr aggressiv.
The dog reacts very aggressively to strangers.
aggressiv
aggressive
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Use with 'gegenüber'
When you want to express who or what the aggressive behavior is directed toward, German uses the preposition 'gegenüber' with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Er verhält sich seinen Mitarbeitern gegenüber oft sehr aggressiv.
He often behaves very aggressively toward his employees.
Typical collocations
In connection with behavior, 'aggressiv' (aggressive) is often combined with nouns like 'Verhalten' (behavior), 'Tonfall' (tone of voice), or 'Stimmung' (mood). A typical verb is 'reagieren' (to react).
EXAMPLE
Bitte sprich in einem weniger aggressiven Ton mit mir.
Please speak to me in a less aggressive tone.
Context: business
In a business context, 'aggressiv' (aggressive) often means 'energetic' or 'offensive' and does not have a negative meaning. It describes a strategy aimed at rapid growth or dominance.
EXAMPLE
Das Start-up verfolgt eine aggressive Marketingstrategie.
The start-up is pursuing an aggressive marketing strategy.
Context: medicine
In medicine, 'aggressiv' (aggressive) describes either a disease that develops very quickly or a treatment that is very intensive.
EXAMPLE
Die Ärzte entschieden sich für eine aggressive Chemotherapie.
The doctors decided on aggressive chemotherapy.
Compare with
aggressiv vs intensiv
intensive
'intensiv' and 'aggressiv' can both express that something happens strongly or with a lot of force. However, 'intensiv' is neutral: it can describe thorough work, intensive training, or a strong treatment. 'aggressiv' often has a negative or harsh meaning. With people, it means hostile or attack-oriented behavior; in business or medicine, it refers to very offensive or strong methods. Learners may confuse the words because an aggressive treatment can also be intensive. But not everything that is intensive is aggressive. 'intensiv' fits strong concentration, while 'aggressiv' fits attack, pressure, or rapid spread.
aggressiv
Die Krankheit ist aggressiv und breitet sich schnell aus.
The disease is aggressive and spreads quickly.
intensiv
Vor der Prüfung hat Mehmet intensiv gelernt.
Before the exam, Mehmet studied intensively.
In real life
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