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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.
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.
military
'militärisch' and 'militant' can both call to mind fighting, war, or a strict manner, but they do not mean the same thing. Use 'militärisch' when something is directly connected with the military, the army, or very strict order. 'militant' is more likely to describe people or groups who act very combatively and often aggressively in pursuit of a goal. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar and are both connected with fighting. As a guide: a uniform, a base, or an exercise is 'militärisch'; an aggressive political group can be 'militant'.
Die Gruppe trat bei der Demonstration sehr militant auf.
The group acted very militantly at the demonstration.
Vor der Reise gab es eine militärische Kontrolle am Flughafen.
Before the trip, there was a military check at the airport.