opposing / contradictory
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opposing / contradictory
Describing two or more things, opinions, or qualities that conflict with each other or are completely different.
Die beiden Experten vertraten völlig gegensätzliche Standpunkte.
The two experts represented completely opposing viewpoints.
The adjective 'gegensätzlich' (opposing/contradictory) is derived from the noun 'der Gegensatz' (the opposite/contrast). If you know the noun, you can easily work out the meaning of the adjective.
Der Gegensatz zwischen Arm und Reich ist in dieser Stadt sehr groß.
The contrast between rich and poor is very great in this city.
When you want to express what something is opposite or contrary to, you use the preposition 'zu' followed by the dative.
Seine Meinung ist komplett gegensätzlich zu meiner.
His opinion is completely opposed to mine.
'Gegensätzlich' (opposing/contradictory) is very often combined with abstract nouns to describe contradictions. Typical phrases are 'gegensätzliche Meinungen' (opposing opinions), 'gegensätzliche Interessen' (conflicting interests), or 'gegensätzliche Aussagen' (contradictory statements).
Die beiden Parteien haben völlig gegensätzliche Interessen.
The two parties have completely conflicting interests.
immediate / same
'gleich' and 'gegensätzlich' are clear opposites. Use 'gleich' when two things are identical or match in important features. Use 'gegensätzlich' when two things do not fit together because they go in different directions or contradict each other. This can be the case with opinions, characteristics, or interests. In practical terms: if two statements are 'gleich', they say the same thing. If they are 'gegensätzlich', they say something very different or even the opposite.
Ihre Meinungen zum neuen Plan sind gegensätzlich, deshalb dauert die Diskussion lange.
Their opinions on the new plan are contradictory, so the discussion is taking a long time.
Beim Einkaufen haben wir zufällig die gleichen Schuhe gewählt.
While shopping, we happened to choose the same shoes.