01
die Agitation
agitation
The deliberate, often aggressive influencing of public opinion for or against a political cause.
example
Die politische Agitation vor der Wahl nahm stark zu.
Political agitation before the election increased sharply.
die Agitation
agitation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Agitation' belongs to the word family of the verb 'agitieren' (to agitate). The ending '-tion' is typical of nouns derived from verbs of Latin origin and describing a process or result.
EXAMPLE
Er agitiert seit Jahren gegen die Regierung.
He has been agitating against the government for years.
Context clues
You can recognize the meaning from the context. In a political or social context, it is about influencing people, often with words like 'politisch' (political) or 'Partei' (party). In a medical context, it describes a state of restlessness, often with words like 'Patient' (patient) or 'Symptom' (symptom).
EXAMPLE
Die Partei wurde für ihre aggressive Agitation kritisiert.
The party was criticized for its aggressive agitation.
Register
Both meanings of the word are used mainly in formal or technical contexts. It is rather rare in everyday language.
EXAMPLE
Der Fachartikel beschreibt die Ursachen von Agitation bei Demenz.
The specialist article describes the causes of agitation in dementia.
Typical collocations
In a political context, 'Agitation' (agitation) is often used with the verb 'betreiben' (to engage in/carry out). For example, people speak of 'politische Agitation zu betreiben' (engaging in political agitation).
EXAMPLE
Die Gruppe betrieb im Internet gezielt Agitation.
The group deliberately carried out agitation online.
Compare with
Agitation vs Propaganda
propaganda
'Propaganda' and 'Agitation' both belong to the area of political influence. 'Propaganda' is usually broader: it spreads ideas, opinions, or information systematically and one-sidedly. 'Agitation' feels more active and combative. It is meant to stir people up, mobilize them, or win them over for or against a political cause. Learners may confuse the words because both sound negative and often appear together. As a simple guide: propaganda spreads a point of view; agitation pushes people toward an attitude or action.
Agitation
Vor der Wahl nahm die aggressive Agitation gegen die Gegner stark zu.
Before the election, aggressive agitation against the opponents increased sharply.
Propaganda
Zur Unterstützung der Regierung wurden überall Plakate mit Propaganda aufgehängt.
Posters with propaganda were put up everywhere to support the government.
In real life
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