polemical
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polemical
Describes a statement or text that is subjective, harsh, and often aggressive in order to attack or ridicule another opinion.
Sein Kommentar war unnötig polemisch und trug nichts zur Lösung des Problems bei.
His comment was unnecessarily polemical and contributed nothing to solving the problem.
The adjective 'polemisch' (polemical) belongs to the noun 'die Polemik' (polemics). A polemic is a sharp, often personal and subjective dispute of opinions in written form.
Die politische Debatte war voller Polemik.
The political debate was full of polemics.
'Polemisch' (polemical) often describes a type of communication. Typical combinations are 'ein polemischer Artikel' (a polemical article), 'eine polemische Frage' (a polemical question), or 'polemisch argumentieren' (to argue polemically).
Er reagierte mit einer polemischen Gegenfrage auf die Kritik.
He responded to the criticism with a polemical counter-question.
This word belongs more to elevated or formal language. It is often used in discussions about media, politics, or academia to criticize an aggressive and unfair style of argumentation.
Bitte bleiben Sie sachlich und werden Sie nicht polemisch.
Please stay objective and do not become polemical.
sharp / spicy
'scharf' and 'polemisch' can both describe a harsh way of speaking or writing. 'scharf' means that criticism or a statement is strict, direct, and perhaps hurtful. 'polemisch' goes further: a polemical statement is often subjective and deliberately attacks another opinion or makes it look ridiculous. Learners may confuse the words because polemical texts often also sound harsh. If only the criticism is harsh, 'scharf' fits. If it becomes unfair, attacking, or mocking, 'polemisch' fits better.
Der Kommentar war so polemisch, dass kaum noch über die Fakten gesprochen wurde.
The comment was so polemical that hardly anyone talked about the facts anymore.
Nach dem Fehler bekam der Minister scharfe Kritik von der Presse.
After the mistake, the minister received harsh criticism from the press.