conversation
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conversation
An oral exchange of information, thoughts, and opinions between two or more people; a conversation.
Wir führten ein langes Gespräch über Politik und die Welt.
We had a long conversation about politics and the world.
'Das Gespräch' (the conversation) is the noun form of the verb 'sprechen' (to speak). The prefix 'Ge-' is often used to form nouns from verbs that describe an action or its result.
Nach einem langen Gespräch fanden sie eine Lösung.
After a long conversation, they found a solution.
'Gespräch' (conversation) is often combined with certain verbs. The most common are 'ein Gespräch führen' (to have/conduct a conversation), 'ein Gespräch beginnen' (to begin a conversation), 'ein Gespräch beenden' (to end a conversation), and 'ein Gespräch suchen' (to seek a conversation).
Ich muss mit dir dringend ein Gespräch führen.
I urgently need to have a conversation with you.
To name a formal conversation, 'Gespräch' (conversation/meeting) is often used as the second part of a compound word. Examples are 'das Bewerbungsgespräch' (the job interview), 'das Mitarbeitergespräch' (the employee review/meeting), or 'das Verkaufsgespräch' (the sales conversation).
Sie bereitet sich auf ihr erstes Bewerbungsgespräch vor.
She is preparing for her first job interview.
The idiom 'im Gespräch sein' (to be under discussion) is a fixed structure. It means that a person or topic is currently being discussed.
Die neue Steuerreform ist überall im Gespräch.
The new tax reform is being discussed everywhere.
discussion
'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.
Nach dem Gespräch mit meinem Freund fühlte ich mich viel ruhiger.
After the conversation with my friend, I felt much calmer.
Im Team gab es eine lange Diskussion über den neuen Arbeitsplan.
There was a long discussion in the team about the new work schedule.