discussion
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discussion
A conversation in which different opinions on a particular topic are exchanged and examined.
Nach dem Vortrag gab es eine lebhafte Diskussion mit dem Publikum.
After the lecture, there was a lively discussion with the audience.
'Die Diskussion' (discussion) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'diskutieren' (to discuss). If you know the verb, you can easily infer the meaning of the noun.
Wir haben lange über dieses Thema diskutiert.
We discussed this topic for a long time.
'Diskussion' (discussion) is often combined with certain verbs. Typical ones are: 'eine Diskussion führen' (to lead/conduct a discussion), 'eine Diskussion beginnen' (to begin a discussion), 'eine Diskussion anstoßen' (to initiate a discussion), or 'sich an einer Diskussion beteiligen' (to take part in a discussion).
Der Professor führte die Diskussion sehr souverän.
The professor led the discussion very confidently.
The expressions 'zur Diskussion stehen' (to be under discussion) and 'etwas zur Diskussion stellen' (to put something up for discussion) are important. 'Stehen' means that something is already a topic. 'Stellen' means that someone proposes a topic.
Die Frage der Finanzierung steht noch zur Diskussion.
The question of financing is still under discussion.
The topic of a discussion is usually introduced with the preposition 'über' and the accusative. You have a discussion about something.
Die Diskussion über die neuen Regeln dauerte mehrere Stunden.
The discussion about the new rules lasted several hours.
conversation
'das Gespräch' and 'die Diskussion' both mean that people are talking to each other. 'das Gespräch' is more general: it can be friendly, private, short, or also formal. 'die Diskussion' fits when there is a topic and different opinions are exchanged. People often try to give reasons or find a solution. Learners confuse the words because every Diskussion is also a kind of Gespräch. But not every Gespräch is a Diskussion. If people are only exchanging information, 'Gespräch' is more natural; if differing opinions are important, 'Diskussion' fits better.
Im Team gab es eine lange Diskussion über den neuen Arbeitsplan.
There was a long discussion in the team about the new work schedule.
Nach dem Gespräch mit meinem Freund fühlte ich mich viel ruhiger.
After the conversation with my friend, I felt much calmer.