controversial
Loading your saved state.
controversial
A quality of topics, people, or decisions about which there are different, often opposing opinions and which lead to discussions or disputes.
Der Bau der neuen Autobahn ist in der Region sehr umstritten.
The construction of the new highway is very controversial in the region.
'Umstritten' (controversial) is the past participle of the verb 'umstreiten' (to dispute). It is made up of 'um' and 'streiten' (to argue). So an 'umstrittenes Thema' (controversial topic) is literally a topic 'um das gestritten wird' (that is being argued about).
Die neuen Regeln sind bei den Mitarbeitern heftig umstritten.
The new rules are heavily disputed among the employees.
The adjective often describes abstract concepts or actions. Typical collocations are 'eine umstrittene Entscheidung' (a controversial decision), 'ein umstrittenes Gesetz' (a controversial law), 'eine umstrittene Methode' (a controversial method), or 'eine umstrittene Person' (a controversial person).
Der Politiker ist für seine umstrittenen Aussagen bekannt.
The politician is known for his controversial statements.
When you want to name the group in which something is controversial, you usually use the prepositions 'in' or 'bei' with the dative. The adjective often appears at the end of the sentence.
Die Theorie ist in der Wissenschaft nach wie vor umstritten.
The theory is still controversial in the scientific community.
recognized
'umstritten' and 'anerkannt' both describe how people think about a person, a decision, or a topic. But they often stand in contrast to each other. 'umstritten' means that there are different or opposing opinions and that people discuss it. 'anerkannt' means that someone or something is valued and has a high reputation. So something can hardly be generally recognized and highly controversial at the same time. Of course, a person can be recognized in one field, while individual decisions they make can be controversial.
Die Entscheidung der Firma bleibt im Team umstritten.
The company's decision remains controversial within the team.
Die Ärztin ist für ihre ruhige Arbeit mit Kindern anerkannt.
The doctor is recognized for her calm work with children.