01
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
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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 Wirkung
effect / impact
'die Wirkung' and 'die Resonanz' both describe what results from an action, statement, or work. 'Wirkung' means the effect itself: something changes a situation or creates a certain impression. 'Resonanz' focuses more on other people's reaction to it, that is, whether something receives approval, criticism, or attention. Learners may confuse them because both come after an action. Ask yourself: Is it about the effect on something? Then use 'Wirkung'. Is it about people's response or reaction? Then use 'Resonanz'.
Resonanz
Der neue Vorschlag bekam im Team eine positive Resonanz.
The new proposal received a positive response from the team.
Wirkung
Das Medikament zeigte schon nach einer Stunde eine deutliche Wirkung.
The medication showed a clear effect after just one hour.
In real life
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