reply / replica
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reply
A quick-witted, quick, or sharp answer to a statement or question. It can also be a formal response in a debate.
Auf seine unverschämte Bemerkung wusste sie keine passende Replik.
She couldn't think of a suitable reply to his rude remark.
The meaning of 'Replik' depends strongly on the field. Pay attention to the context: in a debate it is a reply, in a museum a copy, in court a legal pleading, and in biology a technical term for cell duplication.
Seine scharfe Replik beendete die Diskussion.
His sharp reply ended the discussion.
In the meaning of 'Antwort' (answer), 'Replik' is often combined with adjectives such as 'schlagfertig' (quick-witted), 'passend' (suitable), or 'scharf' (sharp). Typical verbs are 'eine Replik geben' (to give a reply) or 'keine Replik wissen' (to be unable to think of a reply).
Auf diese Frage hatte er keine schlagfertige Replik parat.
He didn't have a quick-witted reply ready for this question.
When it comes to art, it is often a 'Replik von' (replica of) or 'Replik eines' (replica of a) famous work. People also say that a replica is 'angefertigt' (made) or 'ausgestellt' (displayed).
Der Künstler fertigte selbst eine Replik seiner berühmtesten Skulptur an.
The artist himself made a replica of his most famous sculpture.
This meaning is used exclusively in legal terminology. You will not hear it outside of court proceedings.
Das Gericht hat dem Kläger eine Frist für die Replik gesetzt.
The court set the plaintiff a deadline for the reply.
answer
'die Antwort' and 'die Replik' can both be a reaction to a question or statement. 'Antwort' is the normal, neutral word. It is used in everyday life, in letters, emails, or conversations. 'Replik' is more appropriate when the reaction is quick, sharp, or especially witty. It can also sound more formal in a debate. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Replik' is also a kind of answer. But not every 'Antwort' is a 'Replik'. As a simple guide: for normal questions, you almost always say 'Antwort'; for a pointed reply, 'Replik' fits.
Nach der Kritik hatte sie sofort eine scharfe Replik bereit.
After the criticism, she immediately had a sharp reply ready.
Auf meine E-Mail habe ich erst am nächsten Tag eine Antwort bekommen.
I didn't get an answer to my email until the next day.