disagreement
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disagreement
A situation in which two or more people have different views or judgments about something; a mild, factual conflict.
Wir hatten eine kleine Meinungsverschiedenheit darüber, welcher Film besser ist, aber wir haben uns schnell geeinigt.
We had a small disagreement about which film was better, but we quickly came to an agreement.
The word is long, but logically built: it consists of 'Meinung' (opinion), the linking -s, and 'Verschiedenheit' (difference/diversity, from 'verschieden' meaning different). So it literally means that opinions are different.
Das lange Wort „Meinungsverschiedenheit“ ist leicht zu verstehen, wenn man es in seine Teile zerlegt.
The long word 'Meinungsverschiedenheit' is easy to understand if you break it down into its parts.
Common verbs used with this noun are 'eine Meinungsverschiedenheit haben' (to have a disagreement), 'eine Meinungsverschiedenheit beilegen' (to settle/resolve a disagreement), or 'es kommt zu einer Meinungsverschiedenheit' (a disagreement occurs/arises).
Die beiden Politiker konnten ihre Meinungsverschiedenheit schnell beilegen.
The two politicians were able to settle their disagreement quickly.
To name the topic of the conflict, you use the preposition 'über' (about/over) with the accusative. To name the people involved, you use 'zwischen' (between) with the dative.
Es gab eine Meinungsverschiedenheit über die richtige Vorgehensweise.
There was a disagreement about the right course of action.
'Meinungsverschiedenheit' (disagreement) is a fairly neutral and factual word. It is often used to present a conflict as less emotional or dramatic.
In der Teambesprechung kam es zu einer kurzen Meinungsverschiedenheit.
In the team meeting, there was a brief disagreement.
argument / dispute
Ein Streit describes a confrontation that is openly acted out between people. A Meinungsverschiedenheit, by contrast, can remain factual and does not have to lead to an argument; it often sounds milder. Use Meinungsverschiedenheit for differing views without strong confrontation, and Streit for open conflict.
Die beiden hatten wegen des neuen Plans eine sachliche Meinungsverschiedenheit.
The two had a factual disagreement over the new plan.
Die beiden gerieten wegen des neuen Plans in Streit.
The two got into an argument over the new plan.
