Refers to Islamism, a political ideology that advocates an extreme and radical interpretation of Islam and seeks a social and state order based on these principles. It should be distinguished from 'islamisch' (Islamic, relating to Islam).
example
Die Sicherheitsbehörden warnen vor der Gefahr durch islamistische Terrorgruppen.
The security authorities are warning of the danger posed by Islamist terrorist groups.
Usage tips
Word structure
The ending '-istisch' (-istic/-ist) often points to an ideology, a movement, or a school of thought. The word therefore describes the followers or characteristics of the ideology of Islamism.
EXAMPLE
Diese Denkweise wird als fundamentalistisch und islamistisch eingestuft.
This way of thinking is classified as fundamentalist and Islamist.
Typical collocations
The adjective is almost always used in a negative context. Typical nouns are 'Organisation' (organization), 'Propaganda' (propaganda), 'Extremismus' (extremism), or 'Anschlag' (attack).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung kämpft gegen islamistischen Extremismus.
The government is fighting against Islamist extremism.
Register and context
This word belongs in the context of politics, news, and security discourse. It describes a specific political ideology and is not used for general cultural or religious descriptions.
EXAMPLE
Der Bericht analysiert die wachsende Bedrohung durch islamistische Netzwerke.
The report analyzes the growing threat posed by Islamist networks.
Compare with
confusable
islamistisch vs islamisch
Islamic
'islamisch' and 'islamistisch' look very similar, but they do not mean the same thing. 'islamisch' is a neutral word and refers to Islam, its culture, its teachings, or its followers. 'islamistisch' refers to Islamism, meaning a political and often radical ideology. This confusion is important because 'islamistisch' can have a much stronger and negative meaning. You should only use it when this political ideology is really meant. For the religion, culture, or everyday life of Muslims, 'islamisch' normally fits, not 'islamistisch'.
islamistisch
Die Zeitung berichtet über eine islamistische Gruppe, die vom Staat beobachtet wird.
The newspaper reports on an Islamist group that is being monitored by the state.
islamisch
Vor dem Termin liest sie einen kurzen Text über islamische Feiertage.
Before the appointment, she reads a short text about Islamic holidays.