to argue / dispute
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to argue
To have a verbal conflict or quarrel with someone, often because of personal disagreement or annoyance.
Die Geschwister streiten sich oft darüber, wer das Zimmer aufräumen muss.
The siblings often argue about who has to clean up the room.
to debate
To discuss or debate a factual topic, with different opinions clashing.
Die Politiker streiten seit Wochen über die neue Steuerreform.
The politicians have been debating the new tax reform for weeks.
to compete for
To compete or fight with others for something in order to get it.
Zwei große Unternehmen streiten sich um den lukrativen Auftrag.
Two large companies are competing for the lucrative contract.
The preposition after 'streiten' (to argue/dispute) changes the meaning. 'Sich streiten mit' (+ dative) indicates the person you are arguing with. 'Streiten über' (+ accusative) names the topic. 'Sich streiten um' (+ accusative) names the object that you want to have.
Sie streitet sich oft mit ihrem Bruder.
She often argues with her brother.
When it is about a personal conflict or competition, the verb is used reflexively: 'sich streiten' (to argue/fight). When it is about an objective debate, the verb can also be used without a reflexive pronoun.
Warum streitet ihr euch schon wieder?
Why are you arguing again?
When you argue with someone, it is often about everyday things. A typical construction is 'sich streiten (darüber), wer/was/wie ...' (to argue about who/what/how ...).
Meine Nachbarn streiten sich ständig darüber, wer den Müll rausbringen muss.
My neighbors constantly argue about who has to take out the trash.
to fight
Both words can describe a confrontation between people. „Kämpfen“ refers here to a physical confrontation, while „streiten“ means a verbal confrontation or quarrel. Use „kämpfen“ when physical violence is the focus, and „streiten“ when the people are mainly talking angrily to each other.
Die beiden Nachbarn stritten wegen des Parkplatzes miteinander.
The two neighbors argued with each other over the parking space.
Die beiden Männer kämpften wegen des Parkplatzes miteinander.
The two men fought each other over the parking space.
