die Resonanz
response
The reaction, echo, or reception that a statement, action, or work evokes in others.
EXAMPLE
Die Resonanz auf den Artikel in den sozialen Medien war enorm.
The response to the article on social media was enormous.
die Resonanz
resonance / response
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Meanings
die Resonanz
resonance
In physics, the vibration of a system when it is exposed to a periodic stimulus at its natural frequency, leading to a strong increase in amplitude.
EXAMPLE
Die Brücke stürzte ein, weil der Wind sie in eine fatale Resonanz versetzte.
The bridge collapsed because the wind set it into a fatal resonance.
Usage tips
Word meaning
The word comes from the Latin 'resonare' (to resound, echo back). This basic idea of 'echoing back' or 'vibrating along with something' connects the figurative meaning (response) with the physical meaning (vibration).
EXAMPLE
Der Vorschlag fand bei den Kollegen große Resonanz.
The proposal met with a strong response among the colleagues.
Use with 'auf'
To express what the reaction refers to, German uses the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Resonanz auf seine Rede war überwältigend.
The response to his speech was overwhelming.
Typical collocations
'Resonanz' (response/resonance) is often combined with adjectives such as 'positiv' (positive), 'negativ' (negative), 'breit' (broad), or 'gering' (limited). A typical phrase is also 'auf Resonanz stoßen' (to meet with a response).
EXAMPLE
Der Film stieß beim Publikum auf eine sehr positive Resonanz.
The film met with a very positive response from the audience.
Context clue
You can recognize the physical meaning from words used in technology and the natural sciences. Typical signal words are 'Schwingung' (vibration), 'Frequenz' (frequency), 'Amplitude' (amplitude), or 'System' (system).
EXAMPLE
Das Glas zerbrach durch die hohe Resonanz der Schallwellen.
The glass broke because of the strong resonance of the sound waves.
Compare with
Resonanz vs Reaktion
reaction
A Reaktion is a specific answer or behavior following a statement or action. Resonanz refers more to the overall appeal and effect that something has on many people. Use „Reaktion“ for individual responses and „Resonanz“ for the general reception.
Resonanz
Die Resonanz auf die neue Kampagne war in der Öffentlichkeit sehr positiv.
The new campaign received a very positive response from the public.
Reaktion
Die Reaktion der Zuschauer auf die Frage war zunächst überrascht.
The audience's reaction to the question was initially one of surprise.
In real life
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