explosive
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explosive
A substance or mixture that reacts extremely quickly when ignited, releasing a large amount of gas and heat, which leads to an explosion.
Für die Sprengung des alten Gebäudes wurde spezieller Sprengstoff verwendet.
Special explosives were used for the demolition of the old building.
The word is composed of the verb 'sprengen' (to blow up/demolish) and the noun 'der Stoff' (substance/material). So it literally means 'substance for blowing things up'.
Die Polizei fand den Sprengstoff rechtzeitig.
The police found the explosives in time.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from words related to politics or society. If the context is about 'Bomben' (bombs) or 'Gebäude' (buildings), the literal meaning is intended; if it is about 'Debatten' (debates) or 'Konflikte' (conflicts), the figurative meaning is intended.
Die Affäre birgt politischen Sprengstoff für die Regierung.
The affair holds political explosive potential for the government.
In the figurative meaning, 'Sprengstoff' (explosive potential) is very often combined with the verb 'bergen' (to contain/hold). The phrase 'etwas birgt Sprengstoff' means that a situation has a high potential for conflict.
Das Thema der Steuererhöhung birgt sozialen Sprengstoff.
The issue of the tax increase holds social explosive potential.
explosiveness
'Sprengstoff' and 'Brisanz' can both have to do with explosion or with dangerous conflict. 'Sprengstoff' is concretely a material that can explode. In a figurative sense, a topic can also be 'Sprengstoff' if it can trigger conflict. 'Brisanz', by contrast, is not a thing, but the dangerous or delicate effect of a topic or situation. In technical contexts, 'Brisanz' also describes the destructive effect of an explosive. The words can be confused because both are used figuratively for conflict and scandal. Remember: 'Sprengstoff' is more the trigger; 'Brisanz' is the delicate tension or danger within it.
Die neuen Informationen waren politischer Sprengstoff für die ganze Partei.
The new information was political dynamite for the whole party.
Erst nach dem Gespräch verstand Anna die Brisanz der Entscheidung.
Only after the conversation did Anna understand the explosiveness of the decision.