argument / dispute
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argument / dispute
A disagreement or conflict between two or more people, carried out verbally or even physically.
Die Nachbarn hatten einen lauten Streit wegen der lauten Musik.
The neighbors had a loud argument because of the loud music.
'Der Streit' (the argument/dispute) is the noun for the verb 'streiten' (to argue). When people argue, they have an argument. This connection helps with understanding and using both words.
Die Kinder streiten sich ständig um das Spielzeug.
The children are constantly arguing over the toy.
To name the reason for the conflict, you use 'über' (+ accusative) for a topic or 'um' (+ accusative) for something being fought over. The people involved are named with 'mit' (+ dative).
Es gab einen Streit über die neuen Regeln.
There was an argument about the new rules.
Common verbs used with 'Streit' are 'einen Streit haben' (to have an argument), 'einen Streit anfangen' (to start an argument), or 'in einen Streit geraten' (to get into an argument). To end a conflict, you can 'beilegen' (settle) or 'schlichten' (mediate) it.
Die beiden Parteien konnten ihren Streit endlich beilegen.
The two parties were finally able to settle their dispute.
The context tells you whether a personal conflict or a formal dispute is meant. Words like 'Gericht' (court), 'Anwalt' (lawyer), 'juristisch' (legal), or 'rechtlich' (legal) point to the formal, often legal meaning.
Der juristische Streit zwischen den Firmen dauerte mehrere Jahre.
The legal dispute between the companies lasted several years.
war
'der Krieg' and 'der Streit' can both describe a conflict. However, 'Streit' is mostly used for a disagreement between people, often with words, for example in a family or at work. 'Krieg' is much stronger and actually means an armed conflict between large groups or states. Colloquially, 'Krieg' can also be used for a very intense, long-lasting dispute. That is why the words can be confused. For normal everyday conflicts, 'Streit' is almost always more natural.
Nach dem Streit mit ihrem Bruder wollte Emma erst einmal allein sein.
After the argument with her brother, Emma wanted to be alone for a while.
In dem Buch geht es um einen Krieg zwischen zwei Nachbarländern.
The book is about a war between two neighboring countries.