controversial
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controversial
Describing a matter, topic, or statement that is disputed and leads to strong differences of opinion and public discussion.
Die Entscheidung der Regierung, die Steuern zu erhöhen, war sehr kontrovers.
The government's decision to raise taxes was very controversial.
The word comes from Latin: 'contra' means 'against' and 'versus' means 'turned'. A controversial topic is therefore one in which opinions are directed against each other.
Die Diskussion zeigte die kontroversen Standpunkte der Parteien.
The discussion showed the controversial positions of the parties.
'Kontrovers' (controversial) often describes abstract nouns. Typical combinations are 'ein kontroverses Thema' (a controversial topic), 'eine kontroverse Frage' (a controversial question), 'eine kontroverse Debatte' (a controversial debate), or 'eine kontroverse Entscheidung' (a controversial decision).
Der Bau der neuen Autobahn ist ein sehr kontroverses Thema in der Region.
The construction of the new highway is a very controversial topic in the region.
'Kontrovers' (controversial/controversially) can also be used as an adverb to describe how something happens. A common phrase is 'etwas wird kontrovers diskutiert' (something is controversially debated).
Das neue Gesetz wurde im Parlament kontrovers diskutiert.
The new law was controversially debated in parliament.
disputed / contentious
Kontrovers usually describes a topic or statement that provokes strongly opposing opinions and is discussed publicly. Strittig more often refers to a specific point on which there is still no agreement or clear solution. Use „kontrovers“ for the heated debate and „strittig“ for the unresolved issue.
Die kontroverse Entscheidung löste in der Öffentlichkeit eine heftige Diskussion aus.
The controversial decision sparked a heated public debate.
Strittig ist noch, wer die zusätzlichen Kosten des Projekts bezahlt.
It is still disputed who will pay the project’s additional costs.
