to mediate / stack
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to mediate
To end a dispute or conflict by mediating between the parties in conflict.
Ein Mediator wurde engagiert, um den Konflikt zwischen den beiden Abteilungen zu schlichten.
A mediator was hired to mediate the conflict between the two departments.
The verb 'schlichten' (to mediate/stack) is related to the adjective 'schlicht' (simple, plain). In both meanings, the idea is to bring something into a simple, orderly state: a complicated dispute or a messy pile.
Sie versuchte, den Streit mit schlichten Worten zu beenden.
She tried to end the argument with simple words.
You can recognize the meaning from the object. If it is something abstract like 'einen Streit' (an argument) or 'einen Konflikt' (a conflict), it means 'vermitteln' (to mediate). If it is something physical like 'Holz' (wood) or 'Steine' (stones), it means 'stapeln' (to stack).
Es gelang ihr, den Streit zwischen den Nachbarn zu schlichten.
She managed to mediate the dispute between the neighbors.
When it comes to settling a conflict, 'schlichten' (to mediate) is often used with the nouns 'Streit' (dispute/argument), 'Konflikt' (conflict), or 'Auseinandersetzung' (dispute). The person mediating is often called a 'Schlichter' (mediator).
Ein erfahrener Diplomat soll den politischen Konflikt schlichten.
An experienced diplomat is supposed to mediate the political conflict.
to clarify
'klären' and 'schlichten' can both be important in conflicts or arguments. 'klären' is more general: you can clarify a question, a misunderstanding, or a problem. There does not necessarily have to be an argument. 'schlichten' is used specifically when two sides are in a dispute and someone mediates so that the conflict ends. The words can be confused because a dispute that has been mediated is usually also clarified or resolved. But if you want to emphasize the role of a mediating person, 'schlichten' is more precise.
Die Trainerin schlichtet den Streit zwischen den beiden Spielern nach dem Spiel.
The coach mediates the argument between the two players after the game.
Heute klärt er mit der Lehrerin, warum seine Note anders ist als erwartet.
Today he is clarifying with the teacher why his grade is different from what he expected.