resistance
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resistance
The innate or acquired ability of an organism (e.g., a bacterium or plant) to withstand harmful influences such as pathogens, toxins, or medications.
Die zunehmende Resistenz von Bakterien gegen Antibiotika ist ein ernstes medizinisches Problem.
The increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a serious medical problem.
'Resistenz' (resistance) is almost always used with the preposition 'gegen' (against) followed by the accusative. This structure indicates what the resistance is directed against.
Manche Pflanzen entwickeln eine Resistenz gegen bestimmte Schädlinge.
Some plants develop resistance to certain pests.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: In a medical or biological context (e.g., with 'Bakterien' (bacteria), 'Antibiotika' (antibiotics)), it refers to biological resistance. In a social context (e.g., with 'Mitarbeiter' (employees), 'Veränderung' (change)), psychological resistance is meant.
Die Forschung untersucht die Resistenz der Viren gegen neue Medikamente.
The research examines the resistance of the viruses to new medications.
In a medical-biological context, people often say that organisms 'entwickeln' (develop) or 'aufbauen' (build up) resistance. The combination 'zunehmende Resistenz' (increasing resistance) is also very common.
Leider haben die Bakterien eine Resistenz gegen das Medikament entwickelt.
Unfortunately, the bacteria have developed resistance to the medication.
In a social or psychological context, it is often phrased that someone 'zeigt' (shows) resistance or that one 'auf Resistenz stößt' (encounters resistance).
Die Belegschaft zeigte von Anfang an Resistenz gegen die neuen Arbeitszeiten.
The workforce showed resistance to the new working hours from the very beginning.
resistance
'der Widerstand' and 'die Resistenz' can both mean that something does not simply give in. 'Widerstand' is often used for actively resisting people, measures, or pressure. 'Resistenz' is used especially when something is insensitive or resistant to an influence, for example bacteria to a medication. In a social or psychological sense, 'Resistenz' can also mean a strong refusal to change. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'not giving in'. 'Widerstand' sounds more active, while 'Resistenz' sounds more like a quality or resilience.
Die Ärztin erklärt, dass manche Bakterien eine Resistenz gegen das Medikament entwickeln.
The doctor explains that some bacteria develop resistance to the medication.
Zu Hause gab es viel Widerstand gegen den Plan, das alte Haus zu verkaufen.
At home, there was a lot of resistance to the plan to sell the old house.