militant
/miliˈtant/
The English word "militant" is translated into German as militant.
The adjective is used to describe someone or something that is aggressively active or supportive.
Meaning: aggressively active or supportive (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
Use militante when describing a feminine singular noun. Use militanten for many inflected cases, such as the masculine singular in the accusative, dative or genitive, as well as for any plural form used with a definite article.
How do you pronounce it?
/miliˈtant/
Did you know?
- While militant can sound negative, German speakers use kämpferisch to describe a 'militant' spirit as a virtue, meaning someone is courageous and tenacious.
- In German political discourse, using der Militante as a noun often specifically evokes the history of 20th-century revolutionary movements rather than just general aggression.
- The word militant was borrowed into German from the Latin word mīlitāns.
Examples in context
- Zahlreiche militante Gruppen versuchen, ihren Einfluss auf die Gesellschaft auszuweiten.Numerous militant groups are attempting to expand their influence on society.
- Die Gruppe vertritt eine militante Strategie.The group pursues a militant strategy.
- Er ist ein militanter Umweltschützer.He is a militant environmentalist.
- Wir lehnen diese militante Ausdrucksweise ab.We reject this militant way of expressing oneself.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are discussing a political protest.
- LauraDie Demonstranten wirken heute sehr militant.The protesters seem very militant today.
- FelixJa, sie wollen sofortige Änderungen sehen.Yes, they want to see immediate changes.
- LauraIst dieser militanten Ansatz wirklich effektiv?Is this militant approach really effective?
- FelixDas weiß ich nicht, aber sie sind entschlossen.I don't know, but they are determined.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “militant” translations and entries militant, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries militant, CC BY-SA 4.0.
