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
A Diskussion can involve exchanging different opinions on a topic in an objective or controversial way. A Kontroverse, by contrast, requires strong opposition and is usually a longer-lasting public dispute. Use „Diskussion“ in general, and „Kontroverse“ when the ongoing polarization is especially important.
Der Bau der Straße löste eine anhaltende öffentliche Kontroverse aus.
The construction of the road sparked an ongoing public controversy.
In der Diskussion über den Bau der Straße wurden verschiedene Meinungen ausgetauscht.
Various opinions were exchanged in the discussion about building the road.
