collision
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collision
The violent crashing together of two or more moving objects, such as vehicles, people, or celestial bodies.
Bei der Kollision der beiden Autos wurde zum Glück niemand ernsthaft verletzt.
Luckily, no one was seriously injured in the collision between the two cars.
The noun 'die Kollision' (the collision) is closely related to the verb 'kollidieren' (to collide). When two things collide, a collision occurs.
Zwei Radfahrer sind auf dem engen Weg kollidiert.
Two cyclists collided on the narrow path.
'Kollision' (collision) is almost always used with the preposition 'mit' (with) and the dative to name the second party involved. Another common formulation is 'es kommt zu einer Kollision' (a collision occurs).
Die Kollision mit dem Eisberg führte zum Untergang des Schiffes.
The collision with the iceberg led to the sinking of the ship.
The word 'Kollision' (collision) is often used in formal or technical contexts, for example in police reports, the news, or physics. It sounds more formal than 'Zusammenstoß' (crash/collision).
Der Polizeibericht beschreibt den genauen Hergang der Kollision.
The police report describes the exact sequence of events in the collision.
In connection with accidents, you often hear of a 'frontale Kollision' (head-on collision) or a 'heftige Kollision' (violent collision). Verbs that are frequently used with 'Kollision' (collision) are 'verhindern' (to prevent), 'verursachen' (to cause), or 'überleben' (to survive).
Durch eine schnelle Reaktion konnte der Fahrer eine frontale Kollision verhindern.
Thanks to a quick reaction, the driver was able to prevent a head-on collision.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is about abstract things that do not fit together. Typical examples are a 'Kollision von Interessen' (conflict of interests), 'von Pflichten' (of duties), or 'von Zielen' (of goals).
Die geplante Urlaubsreise führte zu einer Kollision verschiedener Interessen in der Familie.
The planned vacation trip led to a conflict of different interests within the family.
opposite / contrast
'der Gegensatz' and 'die Kollision' can both express that two opinions, goals, or interests do not fit together. 'der Gegensatz' describes more the difference itself: two things stand in opposition to each other. 'die Kollision' describes more the clash or conflict that results from this. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with contradiction or opposition. 'Gegensatz' is calmer and more factual, while 'Kollision' sounds like a direct conflict or problem.
Bei der Planung kam es zu einer Kollision zwischen dem Termin der Prüfung und dem Training.
During the planning, there was a conflict between the exam date and the training session.
Vor der Reise merkt das Team, dass ein Gegensatz zwischen den Wünschen der Teilnehmer besteht.
Before the trip, the team realizes that there is a contrast between the participants' wishes.