to debate
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to debate
To hold a formal and often public discussion about a specific topic, in which different points of view are exchanged and argued.
Im Bundestag debattierten die Abgeordneten stundenlang über das neue Gesetz.
In the Bundestag, the members of parliament debated the new law for hours.
to debate
To talk or argue about something intensively and at length, often without quickly reaching an agreement.
Wir haben ewig darüber debattiert, wohin wir in den Urlaub fahren sollen.
We debated forever about where we should go on vacation.
The verb 'debattieren' (to debate) is almost always used with the preposition 'über' (about) and the accusative to name the topic of the discussion. You can also debate 'mit' someone (dative).
Die Politiker debattieren über eine Steuererhöhung.
The politicians are debating a tax increase.
The ending '-ieren' shows that 'debattieren' (to debate) is a loanword that was adopted into the German language. Many verbs ending in '-ieren' have a rather formal or technical character.
Die Experten debattieren die Ergebnisse der Studie.
The experts are debating the results of the study.
You can often recognize the formal meaning from signal words related to politics, academia, or the media. Typical subjects are 'Abgeordnete' (members of parliament), 'Experten' (experts), or 'die Parteien' (the parties).
Im Fernsehen debattierten die Kandidaten über die Zukunft des Landes.
On television, the candidates debated the future of the country.
When 'debattieren' (to debate) is used for private, everyday discussions, it often sounds slightly ironic or exaggerated. It emphasizes that a discussion is very long and intense.
Wir haben eine Stunde lang debattiert, welchen Film wir schauen.
We debated for an hour about which film to watch.
to discuss
Both verbs refer to an exchange of opinions and arguments. Diskutieren also fits an ordinary, objective conversation, whereas debattieren sounds more like a formal, often public and controversial confrontation. Choose debattieren when the debate seems particularly official or confrontational.
Die Politiker debattieren öffentlich über den neuen Spielplatz.
The politicians publicly debate the new playground.
Die Nachbarn diskutieren sachlich über den neuen Spielplatz.
The neighbors discuss the new playground objectively.
