discrepancy / disagreement
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disagreement
A slight difference of opinion or a small conflict between people.
Es gab einige Unstimmigkeiten im Team, aber wir konnten sie schnell klären.
There were a few disagreements within the team, but we were able to clear them up quickly.
discrepancy
A contradiction or deviation in numbers, data, reports, or facts that do not match.
Die Buchprüfung hat mehrere Unstimmigkeiten in den Abrechnungen aufgedeckt.
The audit uncovered several discrepancies in the accounts.
The word is made up of 'un-' and 'Stimmigkeit' (coherence/consistency). 'Stimmigkeit' comes from the verb 'stimmen' (to be correct/to be right). An 'Unstimmigkeit' (discrepancy/disagreement) therefore describes something that 'nicht stimmt' (is not right) — either between people or in data.
Es stimmt etwas nicht in den Zahlen, es gibt eine Unstimmigkeit.
Something is not right in the numbers; there is a discrepancy.
The context shows the exact meaning. If it is about people, it means 'Meinungsverschiedenheit' (disagreement). If it is about numbers, reports, or facts, it means 'Widerspruch' (contradiction) or 'Abweichung' (deviation).
Zwischen den Kollegen gab es kleinere Unstimmigkeiten.
There were minor disagreements between the colleagues.
When it is about differences of opinion, the word is often combined with verbs of resolving. Common phrases are 'Unstimmigkeiten klären' (to clear up disagreements), 'beilegen' (to settle), or 'ausräumen' (to resolve/remove).
Das Team konnte die Unstimmigkeiten schnell beilegen und sich einigen.
The team was able to settle the disagreements quickly and reach an agreement.
When it is about errors in data or reports, 'Unstimmigkeit' (discrepancy) is often used with verbs of discovering. Typical phrases are 'Unstimmigkeiten aufdecken' (to uncover discrepancies), 'feststellen' (to identify/establish), or 'finden' (to find).
Der Buchhalter hat Unstimmigkeiten in der Bilanz festgestellt.
The accountant identified discrepancies in the balance sheet.
contradiction / objection
Widerspruch and Unstimmigkeit can both describe statements or facts that do not fit together. Widerspruch usually emphasizes a direct opposition, while Unstimmigkeit can also refer to a less clear deviation in data or reports. Widerspruch fits clearly opposing statements, while Unstimmigkeit is more suitable for noticeable discrepancies.
Im Bericht fiel eine kleine Unstimmigkeit bei den genannten Zahlen auf.
A minor discrepancy in the figures given stood out in the report.
Zwischen den Aussagen der beiden Zeugen besteht ein deutlicher Widerspruch.
There is a clear contradiction between the two witnesses' statements.
