field of tension
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field of tension
A situation shaped by opposing forces, interests, or opinions, which therefore carries potential for conflict.
Der Politiker bewegt sich im Spannungsfeld zwischen wirtschaftlichen Interessen und ökologischen Notwendigkeiten.
The politician operates in the field of tension between economic interests and ecological necessities.
field of force
In physics, a space in which electrical or magnetic forces act.
Die geladenen Teilchen wurden durch das elektrische Spannungsfeld abgelenkt.
The charged particles were deflected by the electric field of force.
The word is made up of 'Spannung' (tension/voltage) and 'Feld' (field). So it literally describes a field in which tension exists—this applies both to physical forces and to social or political conflicts.
Die Diskussion bewegte sich in einem permanenten Spannungsfeld.
The discussion moved within a constant field of tension.
In the figurative meaning, the word is almost always used with the preposition 'zwischen' (between) to name the opposing poles. The typical structure is: 'im Spannungsfeld zwischen A und B' (in the field of tension between A and B).
Die Firma agiert im Spannungsfeld zwischen Innovation und Tradition.
The company operates in the field of tension between innovation and tradition.
You can recognize the physical meaning from signal words such as 'elektrisch' (electric), 'magnetisch' (magnetic), or 'Gravitation' (gravitation). If such terms are missing, the figurative meaning of a conflict is almost always intended.
Im elektrischen Spannungsfeld werden die Elektronen beschleunigt.
In the electric field of force, the electrons are accelerated.
The figurative meaning of 'Spannungsfeld' (field of tension) belongs to an elevated, rather intellectual style of language. It is often found in journalistic, academic, or political texts.
Die moderne Kunst entsteht oft im Spannungsfeld von Ästhetik und Provokation.
Modern art often emerges in the field of tension between aesthetics and provocation.
