die Streitigkeit, -en
dispute
Definition & meaning
Streitigkeit is a feminine German noun meaning dispute, quarrel, or contentious matter.
It usually refers to a disagreement or conflict between people, organizations, or parties. It can be used in everyday contexts, but it is especially common in formal, administrative, and legal language.
- eine Streitigkeit zwischen Nachbarn — a dispute between neighbors
- rechtliche Streitigkeiten — legal disputes
- Die Streitigkeit wurde vor Gericht ausgetragen. — The dispute was taken to court.
Depending on the context, Streitigkeit can mean:
-
A personal quarrel or disagreement
Example: a dispute between colleagues or family members. -
A formal or legal dispute
Example: a disagreement over a contract, property, or payment.
The plural is Streitigkeiten — disputes or disagreements.
Grammar & Word origin
- Gender: feminine
- Article: die
- Plural: die Streitigkeiten
- Genitive singular: der Streitigkeit
The word is derived from streitig (“disputed” or “contentious”) with the suffix -keit , which forms abstract nouns. Ultimately, it is related to der Streit (“argument” or “conflict”) and the verb streiten (“to argue” or “to dispute”).
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
- der Streit — a general argument or quarrel; more common and less formal than Streitigkeit.
- die Auseinandersetzung — a dispute or confrontation; can sound more serious and may also refer to a physical confrontation.
- der Konflikt — a conflict; broader than Streitigkeit and not necessarily expressed through an argument.
- der Disput — a debate or dispute; somewhat formal and often focused on differing opinions.
- der Rechtsstreit — a legal dispute; more specific than Streitigkeit.
Antonyms
There is no exact opposite in every context, but suitable opposites include:
- die Einigung — an agreement reached after a dispute.
- die Verständigung — mutual understanding or an agreement.
- der Konsens — consensus or general agreement.
- der Frieden — peace, especially as the opposite of ongoing conflict.
Common phrases & collocations
- eine Streitigkeit beilegen — to settle a dispute
- eine Streitigkeit klären — to resolve or clarify a dispute
- in eine Streitigkeit verwickelt sein — to be involved in a dispute
- rechtliche Streitigkeiten — legal disputes
- Streitigkeiten vermeiden — to avoid disputes
- eine Streitigkeit vor Gericht austragen — to settle or litigate a dispute in court
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Examples
Die Streitigkeit zwischen den Nachbarn dauert schon Wochen.noun
The dispute between the neighbors has been going on for weeks.
Wegen einer Streitigkeit rief er seinen Anwalt an.noun
Due to a dispute, he called his lawyer.
Um Streitigkeiten zu vermeiden, sprechen wir offen miteinander.noun
To avoid disputes, we talk openly with each other.
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