fanatic
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fanatic
A person who pursues a particular, often extreme political or religious idea with excessive and intolerant zeal. The term has a strongly negative connotation.
Mit einem politischen Fanatiker kann man meist nicht vernünftig diskutieren.
You usually can't have a reasonable discussion with a political fanatic.
The word belongs to a word family: the adjective is 'fanatisch' (fanatical), and the abstract noun for the quality is 'der Fanatismus' (fanaticism).
Sein Fanatismus macht jede Diskussion unmöglich.
His fanaticism makes any discussion impossible.
The term 'Fanatiker' (fanatic) is not a neutral description, but a strong criticism or insult. It expresses that someone fights for an idea in an intolerant and uncompromising way.
Er wurde als Fanatiker beschimpft, weil er keine andere Meinung akzeptierte.
He was insulted as a fanatic because he did not accept any other opinion.
It is often specified what the fanaticism relates to. Typical combinations are 'politischer Fanatiker' (political fanatic), 'religiöser Fanatiker' (religious fanatic), or also 'Sport-Fanatiker' (sports fanatic).
Ein religiöser Fanatiker versucht, andere von seiner Wahrheit zu überzeugen.
A religious fanatic tries to convince others of his truth.
fan
'der Fan' and 'der Fanatiker' look similar, but they do not mean the same thing. A fan likes or admires someone or something very much, usually without a negative meaning. A 'Fanatiker' pursues an idea with extreme zeal and often does not accept any other opinion. The word is strongly negative. Learners may confuse the words because of their similar form. The important point is: 'Fan' fits enthusiasm, while 'Fanatiker' fits dangerous or very intolerant conviction.
Der Redner wirkte wie ein Fanatiker, weil er keine andere Meinung gelten ließ.
The speaker came across as a fanatic because he would not accept any other opinion.
Paul hat beim Konzert viele andere Fans der Band getroffen.
Paul met many other fans of the band at the concert.