dynamite
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dynamite
A powerful explosive that consists mainly of nitroglycerin and is used for blasting in mining, construction, or demolition work.
Für die Sprengung des alten Tunnels wurde eine große Menge Dynamit benötigt.
A large amount of dynamite was needed to blast the old tunnel.
You can often recognize the figurative meaning from an adjective that names the context. Phrases like 'politisches Dynamit' (political dynamite) or 'soziales Dynamit' (social dynamite) show that it is not about real explosives.
Das Interview des Politikers war pures Dynamit für die Koalition.
The politician's interview was pure dynamite for the coalition.
In the literal sense, 'Dynamit' (dynamite) is often used with verbs like 'legen' (to place), 'zünden' (to ignite), or in the construction 'mit Dynamit sprengen' (to blast with dynamite).
Die Bauarbeiter mussten den Felsen mit Dynamit sprengen, um den Weg freizumachen.
The construction workers had to blast the rock with dynamite to clear the way.
When 'Dynamit' (dynamite) is used metaphorically, it describes information or an event that has great potential for conflict. Typical verbs in this context are 'sein' (to be) or 'bergen' (to contain/harbor).
Die geheimen Dokumente bergen sozialen Dynamit.
The secret documents contain social dynamite.
bomb
'die Bombe' and 'das Dynamit' can both have to do with explosions. A 'Bombe' is an object or weapon that is meant to explode. 'Dynamit', on the other hand, is an explosive, meaning a material used for blasting. A bomb can contain explosives, but dynamite is not itself a bomb. In a figurative sense, both can stand for something very explosive or sensitive, but 'eine Bombe' is often a surprising piece of news, while 'Dynamit' more often refers to a dangerous or explosive situation.
Beim Bau des Tunnels wurde früher Dynamit für die Sprengung benutzt.
In the past, dynamite was used for blasting during the construction of the tunnel.
Die Polizei sperrte den Bahnhof, weil eine alte Bombe gefunden wurde.
The police closed off the station because an old bomb had been found.