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.
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.
conflict
'der Konflikt' and 'die Unstimmigkeit' can both describe a difference of opinion between people. 'der Konflikt' sounds more serious and may last longer or have greater consequences. 'die Unstimmigkeit' is often smaller, less severe, and sometimes quick to clear up. In addition, 'Unstimmigkeit' is also used when numbers, statements, or reports do not match. Learners may confuse the words because both occur with problems between people. As a guide: for a serious dispute, you are more likely to say 'Konflikt'; for small differences or information that does not match, 'Unstimmigkeit' is more likely.
In der Rechnung gab es eine Unstimmigkeit, deshalb fragte sie an der Kasse noch einmal nach.
There was a discrepancy in the bill, so she asked again at the checkout.
Am Morgen besprechen wir den Konflikt, damit die Familie wieder ruhig miteinander reden kann.
In the morning, we discuss the conflict so that the family can talk to each other calmly again.