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Describes people or groups who pursue their political or social goals combatively and often with aggressive, confrontational methods. It does not necessarily mean the use of weapons, but it does imply a strong readiness to fight.
Die Tierschützer wurden in ihren Protesten zunehmend militant.
The animal rights activists became increasingly militant in their protests.
In a warlike way, oriented toward fighting. This meaning is rarer and is often used in connection with non-state armed groups.
Die militante Organisation bekannte sich zu dem Anschlag.
The militant organization claimed responsibility for the attack.
Do not confuse 'militant' with 'militärisch' (military). 'Militärisch' refers to the military (the army), while 'militant' describes a combative, often aggressive attitude toward achieving goals, which does not necessarily have to be armed.
Die Proteste der Gruppe wurden immer militanter, aber sie blieben gewaltfrei.
The group's protests became increasingly militant, but they remained nonviolent.
In its most common meaning, 'militant' describes people or groups who fight for a cause. Typical nouns are 'militante Aktivisten' (militant activists), 'militante Umweltschützer' (militant environmentalists), or 'militante Gegner' (militant opponents).
Eine Gruppe militanter Tierschützer besetzte das Labor.
A group of militant animal rights activists occupied the laboratory.
The meaning 'kriegerisch' (warlike) or 'bewaffnet' (armed) becomes clear from the context. If 'bewaffnete Gruppen' (armed groups), 'Organisationen' (organizations), or 'Anschläge' (attacks) are mentioned, this stronger meaning is meant.
Die Regierung weigerte sich, mit der militanten Gruppe zu verhandeln.
The government refused to negotiate with the militant group.
aggressive
Aggressiv mainly describes a hostile or attack-oriented manner. Militant additionally indicates a strong readiness to fight for a political or social goal, so it is especially suitable for correspondingly committed people or groups. Use aggressiv for the behavior, and militant when the goal and organized combative nature are important.
Die militante Gruppe kämpfte mit Protestaktionen für ihr politisches Ziel.
The militant group fought for its political goal through protest actions.
Die aggressive Gruppe beschimpfte die Teilnehmer der politischen Veranstaltung.
The aggressive group insulted the participants at the political event.
