reflex
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reflex
An involuntary, very quick and automatic reaction of the body to an external stimulus, which is not consciously controlled.
Der Arzt prüfte mit einem Hämmerchen den Kniesehnenreflex des Patienten.
The doctor tested the patient's patellar reflex with a small hammer.
reflex
In a figurative sense, an automatic reaction to a certain situation or statement that is not thought through for long.
Sein erster Reflex auf die Anschuldigung war, alles sofort abzustreiten.
His first reflex in response to the accusation was to deny everything immediately.
The meaning is easy to recognize from context. If people are talking about medicine, biology, or the body, the physical reaction is meant. If it is about a spontaneous reaction to a situation or news, the figurative meaning is meant.
Das Schließen des Augenlids bei Berührung ist ein wichtiger Reflex.
Closing the eyelid when touched is an important reflex.
In the medical meaning, 'Reflex' (reflex) is often combined with verbs like 'testen' (to test), 'prüfen' (to check/test), or 'auslösen' (to trigger). It is also often part of compound words that describe the reflex more precisely (e.g., Schutzreflex, protective reflex).
Ein lautes Geräusch kann einen Schreckreflex auslösen.
A loud noise can trigger a startle reflex.
A very common expression is 'aus Reflex handeln' (to act on reflex) or 'etwas aus Reflex tun' (to do something on reflex). This means that someone reacts automatically and without thinking.
Als der Ball auf ihn zuflog, hob er aus Reflex die Hände.
When the ball flew toward him, he raised his hands on reflex.
In the figurative meaning, the structure 'mein/sein/ihr erster Reflex war, ... zu ...' (my/his/her first reflex was to ...) is often used to describe a spontaneous first reaction or first thought.
Mein erster Reflex war, sofort „Nein“ zu sagen.
My first reflex was to say 'No' immediately.
reaction
A physical Reaktion can occur consciously or without conscious control. A Reflex, by contrast, is a particularly fast and automatic reaction of the body to a stimulus. Use „Reflex“ when the body responds immediately and involuntarily; otherwise, „Reaktion“ is more suitable.
Wenn man auf eine heiße Herdplatte fasst, zieht man die Hand aus Reflex zurück.
When you touch a hot stovetop, you pull your hand back reflexively.
Seine Reaktion auf das neue Medikament wurde vom Arzt genau beobachtet.
The doctor carefully monitored his reaction to the new medication.
