sensitive / explosive
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sensitive
Describes a topic or piece of information that is delicate, politically or socially sensitive, and may lead to conflict or public attention.
Der Journalist veröffentlichte brisante Dokumente, die einen Skandal auslösten.
The journalist published sensitive documents that triggered a scandal.
highly explosive
In technical language (chemistry, military), the property of an explosive having a strongly shattering effect; highly explosive.
Der verwendete Sprengstoff war hoch brisant und richtete enormen Schaden an.
The explosive used was highly explosive and caused enormous damage.
The word comes from the French verb 'briser' (to break). This origin helps you understand both meanings: a piece of information can 'bring about' a scandal, and an explosive can 'break' materials apart.
Die Enthüllungen waren politisch extrem brisant.
The revelations were extremely politically sensitive.
You can recognize the meaning of 'brisant' (sensitive / explosive) from the context. If it is about politics, society, or information, it means 'sensitive' or 'delicate'. If it is about chemistry, the military, or explosives, it means 'highly explosive'.
Das ist ein sehr brisantes Thema, darüber sollten wir nicht öffentlich sprechen.
That is a very sensitive topic; we shouldn't talk about it publicly.
In the meaning 'heikel' (sensitive/delicate), 'brisant' is often used with abstract nouns that convey information. Typical examples are 'ein brisantes Thema' (a sensitive topic), 'brisante Details' (sensitive details), or 'eine brisante Frage' (a sensitive question).
In dem Interview kamen einige brisante Details ans Licht.
Some sensitive details came to light in the interview.
The meaning 'hochexplosiv' (highly explosive) is almost exclusively technical language. In everyday life, you will almost always encounter the meaning 'heikel' (sensitive/delicate) or 'politisch brisant' (politically sensitive).
Der Kampfmittelräumdienst musste einen brisanten Sprengkörper entschärfen.
The bomb disposal unit had to defuse a highly explosive device.
hot
When used about a political issue, “heiß” emphasizes current attention, tension, or fierce contestation. “Brisant,” on the other hand, highlights that an issue is sensitive and could lead to conflict or public attention. Use “heiß” when there is a great deal of interest, and “brisant” when there may be problematic consequences.
Das neue Gesetz ist wegen seiner möglichen Folgen ein brisantes Thema.
The new law is a sensitive issue because of its possible consequences.
Das neue Gesetz ist in der Stadt ein heiß umkämpftes Thema.
The new law is a hotly contested issue in the city.
