German Conversation · Level 90
60 words
German word
brisant
Pronunciation
IPA/bʁiˈzant/
Meaning
- adjectivecontroversial
Example
Das ist das brisanteste Thema.
That is the most controversial topic.
More examples
Bei der Pressekonferenz wurde das brisante Thema offen angesprochen.
The controversial topic was openly addressed at the press conference.
Core concept
A sealed charge that can flare into a heated public dispute when touched.
Common phrases
ein brisantes Thema
a controversial topic
eine brisante Debatte
a controversial debate
eine brisante Frage
a controversial question
Similar words
umstritten: Subject to sharp disagreement, with no clear public consensus.
kontrovers: Likely to fuel debate or conflict between people with opposing views.
heikel: Delicate to handle because a mistake could lead to serious problems.
explosiv: Capable of triggering sudden, intense reactions or disorder.
Definition in German
Kennzeichnet ein Thema oder eine Aussage, die besonders heikel ist und leicht zu Streit oder intensiven Debatten führt.
Word origin
German brisant comes from French brisant, related to briser, 'to break', and developed from a literal explosive sense to a figurative sense of topics likely to provoke conflict.
Usage tips
- Brisant is common in news and formal writing, while everyday English often uses 'sensitive' or 'controversial' depending on the context.