controversy
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controversy
A long-lasting public dispute or argument about a specific topic in which strongly opposing opinions clash.
Der Bau des neuen Flughafens löste eine heftige Kontroverse in der Bevölkerung aus.
The construction of the new airport sparked a fierce controversy among the population.
'Kontroverse' (controversy) comes from Latin: 'contra' means 'against' and 'versus' means 'turned.' So a controversy is literally a dispute in which opinions are 'turned against each other.'
Die Diskussion über das neue Gesetz war von Anfang an eine Kontroverse.
The discussion about the new law was a controversy from the very beginning.
The word 'Kontroverse' (controversy) belongs more to formal written language and is often used in news, political debates, or academic texts.
Der Artikel in der Zeitung analysiert die aktuelle politische Kontroverse.
The article in the newspaper analyzes the current political controversy.
To name the topic of the dispute, you use the prepositions 'über' (about/over) or 'um' (about/around), followed by the accusative.
Es gab eine lange Kontroverse über die neuen Schulreformen.
There was a long controversy over the new school reforms.
A controversy can be 'auslösen' (to trigger/spark) or 'entfachen' (to ignite). It is often described with adjectives such as 'heftig' (fierce), 'hitzig' (heated), or 'öffentlich' (public).
Seine Aussagen lösten eine heftige Kontroverse aus.
His statements sparked a fierce controversy.
discussion
'die Diskussion' and 'die Kontroverse' both have to do with different opinions. A discussion can be small, factual, and even friendly, for example in a group or within a family. A controversy is stronger: it is about a topic that many people argue about intensely and often for a long time. It is often public, for example in politics, the media, or society. Learners may confuse the words because both describe opposing opinions. For a normal conversation, you usually say 'Diskussion'. 'Kontroverse' fits when a topic is especially controversial.
Nach dem neuen Gesetz entsteht in der Stadt eine große Kontroverse.
After the new law, a major controversy is developing in the city.
Bitte hör dir auch die Meinung der anderen in der Diskussion an.
Please also listen to the others' opinions in the discussion.