threat
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threat
A person, thing, or situation that is perceived as a serious danger or potential source of harm.
Der Klimawandel stellt eine globale Bedrohung für die Menschheit dar.
Climate change represents a global threat to humanity.
The noun 'die Bedrohung' is derived directly from the verb 'bedrohen' (to threaten). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun that describes the action or the result of the verb.
Er hat seinen Nachbarn bedroht.
He threatened his neighbor.
To express what is endangered, use 'für' + accusative. To name the source of the danger, use 'durch' + accusative.
Die Dürre ist eine Bedrohung für die Landwirtschaft.
The drought is a threat to agriculture.
In this meaning, 'Bedrohung' is often combined with the verb 'darstellen' (to represent/constitute). The phrase 'eine Bedrohung darstellen' (to represent/constitute a threat) is a more formal way of saying that something is a threat.
Armut stellt eine ernsthafte Bedrohung für die soziale Stabilität dar.
Poverty represents a serious threat to social stability.
This meaning describes the concrete act of making threats and is often used in legal or police contexts. Typical verbs here are 'anzeigen' (to report/file charges) or 'ermitteln' (to investigate).
Sie hat die Bedrohung sofort bei der Polizei gemeldet.
She reported the threat to the police immediately.
safety / certainty / security
'die Sicherheit' and 'die Bedrohung' are often opposites. 'Sicherheit' means that you are protected and that there is no major danger. 'Bedrohung' means a threat or something that can harm someone; it can also be an intimidating action. In conversations about people, places, or situations, people often ask whether there is safety or whether a threat exists. So 'Sicherheit' describes the protected state, while 'Bedrohung' describes what endangers that state.
Für die Gäste war der aggressive Hund im Park eine echte Bedrohung.
For the guests, the aggressive dog in the park was a real threat.
Nach dem Gespräch fühlte sie wieder mehr Sicherheit.
After the conversation, she felt a greater sense of safety again.