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.
explosive potential
In a figurative sense, a topic, piece of information, or situation that has the potential to trigger a major dispute, a scandal, or a serious conflict.
Die Veröffentlichung der geheimen Dokumente barg politischen Sprengstoff.
The publication of the secret documents held political explosive potential.
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.
cargo / charge / summons
Ladung and Sprengstoff can refer to explosive material in a bomb or cartridge. Sprengstoff refers to the substance itself, whereas Ladung refers to the amount and arrangement of this material intended to cause an explosion. Use Sprengstoff for the material and Ladung for the explosive charge being used.
Die Techniker untersuchten den Sprengstoff aus der Bombe.
The technicians examined the explosive from the bomb.
Die Techniker prüften die Ladung in der Bombe.
The technicians examined the charge in the bomb.
