escalation
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escalation
A gradual increase or intensification, especially in conflicts, problems, or violence.
Die Diplomaten versuchten, eine Eskalation der Krise zu verhindern.
The diplomats tried to prevent an escalation of the crisis.
'Die Eskalation' (the escalation) is an international word derived from the verb 'eskalieren' (to escalate). The ending '-tion' is a typical feature of feminine nouns that often come from Latin and describe a process.
Die Situation drohte zu eskalieren.
The situation threatened to escalate.
The word is often used with verbs that describe preventing or promoting an intensification. Typical phrases are 'eine Eskalation vermeiden' (to avoid an escalation), 'eine Eskalation verhindern' (to prevent an escalation), or 'zur Eskalation führen' (to lead to an escalation).
Die Verhandlungen sollen eine weitere Eskalation des Streits verhindern.
The negotiations are intended to prevent a further escalation of the dispute.
To specify what is intensifying, 'Eskalation' (escalation) is often combined with a noun in the genitive. Examples are 'die Eskalation der Gewalt' (the escalation of violence) or 'die Eskalation des Konflikts' (the escalation of the conflict).
Die Eskalation der Lage macht vielen Menschen Sorgen.
The escalation of the situation is worrying many people.
increase / comparison
'die Steigerung' and 'die Eskalation' both have to do with a process becoming stronger. 'Steigerung' is more neutral and can also mean something positive, for example better performance or higher quality. 'Eskalation' is used mainly for conflicts, problems, or violence. It usually sounds negative and means that the situation gradually gets worse. Learners may confuse the words because 'Eskalation' is also a kind of increase. But not every 'Steigerung' is an 'Eskalation'.
Nach dem Streit im Park wollte ich eine Eskalation vermeiden.
After the argument in the park, I wanted to avoid an escalation.
Der Mitarbeiter zeigt, dass eine Steigerung der Leistung möglich ist.
The employee shows that an increase in performance is possible.