Nomen

das Reizthema

Translation

sensitive subject, controversial topic, hot-button issue

Politik ist oft ein Reizthema.

Politics is often a sensitive subject.

Vermeiden wir dieses Reizthema beim Abendessen.

Let's avoid this controversial topic at dinner.

((sth.)) is a sensitive subject sth. is a sensitive subject Money is a sensitive subject in many families.

to broach a sensitive subject to touch on a sensitive subject He broached the sensitive subject of salaries.

der Streitpunkt (point of contention), das Tabuthema (taboo subject)

From 'Reiz' (irritation, stimulus) + 'Thema' (topic). A topic that irritates or stimulates a strong reaction.

Think of a 'topic' ('Thema') that 'raises' ('Reiz' sounds like raise) people's tempers and causes irritation.