01
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
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Meanings
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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
'die Antwort' and 'die Reaktion' can both describe something that comes after a question, message, or action. 'die Antwort' is usually a direct spoken or written response to a question or request. 'die Reaktion' is broader: it can also be behavior, a feeling, or an action after an event. Learners may confuse them because an answer can be a type of reaction. If someone asks something specific, 'Antwort' fits better. If it is about the behavior afterward, 'Reaktion' is more natural.
Reaktion
Am Morgen war die Reaktion der Gäste auf die neue Planung sehr positiv.
In the morning, the guests' reaction to the new plan was very positive.
Antwort
Auf meine E-Mail habe ich bis heute keine Antwort bekommen.
I still haven't received an answer to my email.
In real life
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