to collide
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to collide
To crash into each other or collide with force. This usually refers to vehicles, people, or other physical objects in motion.
Auf der Kreuzung sind zwei Autos miteinander kollidiert.
Two cars collided with each other at the intersection.
to conflict
In a figurative sense, to be incompatible, contradict each other, or overlap in time in such a way that a conflict arises. This often concerns appointments, interests, obligations, or opinions.
Leider kollidieren meine beiden Termine, sodass ich einen davon absagen muss.
Unfortunately, my two appointments conflict, so I have to cancel one of them.
'Kollidieren' (to collide) is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' (with). Either two subjects collide ('A und B kollidieren' — A and B collide) or one subject collides with an object ('A kollidiert mit B' — A collides with B).
Der Radfahrer ist mit einem Auto kollidiert.
The cyclist collided with a car.
Since 'kollidieren' (to collide) describes a sudden change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be), not with 'haben' (to have).
Das Schiff ist mit einem Eisberg kollidiert.
The ship collided with an iceberg.
You can tell whether a physical or figurative meaning is meant from the subject. If it involves vehicles or people, it is about a collision. If it involves abstract things like appointments or interests, it is about a conflict.
Der Zug ist mit einem umgestürzten Baum kollidiert.
The train collided with a fallen tree.
In its figurative meaning, 'kollidieren' (to conflict) is often used with abstract nouns. Typical examples are: 'Termine kollidieren' (appointments conflict), 'Interessen kollidieren' (interests conflict), 'Pflichten kollidieren' (obligations conflict), or 'Meinungen kollidieren' (opinions conflict).
Meine beruflichen Pflichten kollidieren manchmal mit meinem Privatleben.
My professional obligations sometimes conflict with my private life.
to contradict
Widersprechen describes a direct contradiction between statements. Kollidieren refers more generally to a conflict between positions, goals, or requirements that are incompatible with one another. Widersprechen is particularly suitable for opposing statements; kollidieren is more suitable for incompatible practical consequences or requirements.
Die geplante Vollsperrung kollidiert mit dem Ziel, alle Geschäfte erreichbar zu halten.
The planned complete road closure conflicts with the goal of keeping all the shops accessible.
Die Aussage, die Straße bleibe offen, widerspricht der Meldung über eine Vollsperrung.
The statement that the road will remain open contradicts the report of a complete road closure.
