die Reaktion
reaction
A response, behavior, or statement that occurs as a result of a specific action, event, or stimulus.
EXAMPLE
Ihre Reaktion auf die Kritik war sehr professionell.
Her reaction to the criticism was very professional.
die Reaktion
reaction
die Reaktion, die Reaktionen
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Meanings
die Reaktion
reaction
The way the body responds to an external or internal stimulus, such as a medication or an allergen.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Insektenstich zeigte sich eine starke allergische Reaktion auf der Haut.
After the insect bite, a strong allergic reaction appeared on the skin.
die Reaktion
reaction
A chemical or physical process in which one or more substances are transformed into other substances.
EXAMPLE
Bei dieser chemischen Reaktion wird viel Wärme freigesetzt.
A lot of heat is released in this chemical reaction.
die Reaktion
reaction
A political movement that opposes social progress and wants to restore earlier conditions considered conservative.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Revolution versuchte die monarchistische Reaktion, die alte Ordnung wiederherzustellen.
After the revolution, the monarchist reaction tried to restore the old order.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Reaktion, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Reaktionen |
| genitive | der Reaktion |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Reaktion | die Reaktionen |
| accusative | die Reaktion | die Reaktionen |
| dative | der Reaktion | den Reaktionen |
| genitive | der Reaktion | der Reaktionen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Reaktion' (reaction) is derived directly from the verb 'reagieren' (to react). When someone or something 'reagiert' (reacts), the result or consequence is a 'Reaktion' (reaction).
EXAMPLE
Der Körper reagiert auf das Virus mit Fieber. Diese Reaktion ist normal.
The body reacts to the virus with a fever. This reaction is normal.
Correct preposition
'Reaktion' is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative. It describes what is being reacted to.
EXAMPLE
Was war seine Reaktion auf die Nachricht?
What was his reaction to the news?
Typical collocations
In general usage, 'Reaktion' is often combined with verbs such as 'zeigen' (to show), 'hervorrufen' (to cause/provoke), or 'auslösen' (to trigger).
EXAMPLE
Er zeigte keine Reaktion auf meine Frage.
He showed no reaction to my question.
Medical context clue
In a medical context, you can recognize this meaning from words such as 'allergisch' (allergic), 'körperlich' (physical), 'Haut' (skin), or from the mention of medications and illnesses.
EXAMPLE
Eine allergische Reaktion auf Nüsse kann sehr gefährlich sein.
An allergic reaction to nuts can be very dangerous.
Scientific context clue
This meaning is technical and belongs to the field of chemistry or physics. You can recognize it from words such as 'chemisch' (chemical), 'Stoff' (substance), 'Energie' (energy), or 'Molekül' (molecule).
EXAMPLE
Die chemische Reaktion von Säure und Metall erzeugt Wasserstoff.
The chemical reaction between acid and metal produces hydrogen.
Compare with
Reaktion vs Antwort
answer
Antwort and Reaktion can both follow a question or criticism. Antwort specifically means a content-based reply, while Reaktion can also be behavior, a feeling, or a statement that is not actually an answer. Antwort fits a factual reply, while Reaktion is more suitable for other behavior.
Reaktion
Auf die Kritik reagierte sie nur mit einem Lächeln.
She reacted to the criticism with nothing more than a smile.
Antwort
Auf die Kritik gab sie eine sachliche Antwort.
She gave a factual response to the criticism.
In real life
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