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.
dispute
A formal, often legal dispute about a specific matter or right.
Der Streit um das Erbe der Familie wird nun vor Gericht verhandelt.
The dispute over the family's inheritance is now being heard in court.
'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
Streit can refer to a single, specific argument between people. Krieg, colloquially, tends to mean intense hostility that lasts a long time and may consist of many disputes. Streit fits an exchange of words; Krieg can fit an ongoing bad and hostile relationship.
Gestern hatten die beiden Nachbarn einen Streit wegen der Grundstücksgrenze.
The two neighbors had an argument yesterday over the property line.
Seit Jahren herrscht zwischen den beiden Nachbarn Krieg wegen der Grundstücksgrenze.
The two neighbors have been at war for years over the property line.
