separatist
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separatist
A person who seeks the secession of a region or ethnic group from an existing state in order to found a separate, independent state.
Die Regierung weigerte sich, mit den bewaffneten Separatisten zu verhandeln.
The government refused to negotiate with the armed separatists.
The word is derived from the adjective 'separat' (separate). The ending '-ist' refers to a person who represents a particular political or ideological position.
Die separatistische Bewegung fordert ein Referendum über die Unabhängigkeit.
The separatist movement is demanding a referendum on independence.
'Der Separatist' (the separatist) is an N-declension noun. This means that it takes the ending '-en' in all cases except the nominative singular: den/dem/des Separatisten.
Der Journalist interviewte einen Anführer der Separatisten.
The journalist interviewed a leader of the separatists.
'Separatist' (separatist) is often combined with adjectives such as 'bewaffnet' (armed), 'radikal' (radical), or 'politisch' (political). Typical verbs are 'fordern' (to demand), 'kämpfen für' (to fight for), or 'verhandeln mit' (to negotiate with).
Die Gruppe besteht aus friedlichen Separatisten, die politische Autonomie fordern.
The group consists of peaceful separatists who are demanding political autonomy.
rebel
'Rebell' and 'Separatist' can both refer to people who oppose an existing order or state. The difference lies in the goal. A 'Rebell' generally rebels against a government, rules, or authorities; this can be meant politically, violently, or also socially. A 'Separatist' primarily wants a region or group to break away from a state and become independent. Learners may confuse the words because separatists often also act rebelliously. But not every rebel is a separatist.
Der Separatist fordert einen eigenen Staat für seine Region.
The separatist demands a state of his own for his region.
In dem Roman wird der junge Rebell verhaftet, weil er gegen die Regierung kämpft.
In the novel, the young rebel is arrested because he fights against the government.