resistant
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resistant
Able to withstand harmful influences such as diseases, pests, or certain treatments. Especially common in biology and medicine.
Das Bakterium ist gegen mehrere Antibiotika resistent geworden.
The bacterium has become resistant to several antibiotics.
The adjective 'resistent' (resistant) is almost always used with the preposition 'gegen' (against/to) and the accusative. This pattern expresses what the resistance is directed against.
Diese neue Pflanzensorte ist resistent gegen viele Schädlinge.
This new plant variety is resistant to many pests.
'Resistent' (resistant) belongs to the word family of 'die Resistenz' (resistance). If you know the noun, you can more easily work out the meaning of the adjective.
Die Resistenz des Keims gegen das Medikament ist ein großes Problem.
The germ's resistance to the medication is a major problem.
In this meaning, you will find 'resistent' (resistant) very often in scientific or medical texts. It often describes the reaction of organisms to diseases, medications, or pesticides.
Forscher arbeiten an neuen Medikamenten für resistente Keime.
Researchers are working on new medications for resistant germs.
In the figurative sense, 'resistent' (resistant) is often combined with abstract nouns. Typical examples are 'resistent gegen Kritik' (resistant to criticism), 'resistent gegen Ratschläge' (resistant to advice), or 'resistent gegen Argumente' (resistant to arguments).
Mein Chef ist leider völlig resistent gegen neue Ideen.
Unfortunately, my boss is completely resistant to new ideas.
sensitive
'empfindlich' and 'resistent' are often opposites when it comes to how strongly someone or something reacts to influences. 'empfindlich' means that a person, skin, or a material reacts easily or is damaged easily. 'resistent' means that something withstands harmful influences well or is not susceptible to them, for example diseases or criticism. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a reaction to external influences. The difference is clear: 'empfindlich' means easily affected, while 'resistent' means resistant.
Diese Pflanzen sind resistent gegen viele Schädlinge.
These plants are resistant to many pests.
Er ist empfindlich gegen starke Sonne und trägt deshalb immer eine Kappe.
He is sensitive to strong sun and therefore always wears a cap.