revolutionary
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revolutionary
Completely new, groundbreaking, and causing profound changes.
Die Erfindung des Internets war eine revolutionäre Entwicklung für die Kommunikation.
The invention of the internet was a revolutionary development for communication.
The adjective 'revolutionär' (revolutionary) belongs to the noun 'die Revolution' (the revolution). It describes something that has the characteristics of a revolution or is connected with one.
Die Ideen der Aufklärung waren für ihre Zeit revolutionär.
The ideas of the Enlightenment were revolutionary for their time.
You can tell whether the political or the groundbreaking meaning is intended from the noun. In a political context, it is about a revolution; in the context of technology or science, it refers to a major innovation.
Die revolutionäre Regierung veränderte das ganze Land.
The revolutionary government changed the whole country.
In the meaning 'groundbreaking', 'revolutionär' (revolutionary) is often combined with abstract nouns, e.g. a revolutionary idea, a revolutionary method, or a revolutionary technology.
Das Unternehmen präsentierte ein revolutionäres Konzept für nachhaltige Energie.
The company presented a revolutionary concept for sustainable energy.
radical
'radikal' and 'revolutionär' can both describe very major changes. 'radikal' emphasizes that something is far-reaching or shows an extreme attitude. 'revolutionär' emphasizes more strongly that something is completely new and changes many things, or that it has to do with a political revolution. Learners may confuse the words because both can sound strong and political. For an uncompromising position, 'radikal' often fits. For a groundbreaking new idea or invention, 'revolutionär' often fits.
Die neue Technik gilt als revolutionär, weil sie die Arbeit viel schneller macht.
The new technology is considered revolutionary because it makes the work much faster.
Der Verein fordert radikale Maßnahmen gegen die steigenden Mieten.
The association is calling for radical measures against rising rents.