contradiction / objection
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contradiction
A statement, action, or fact that is opposed to another and is not compatible with it; a contradiction.
Es gibt einen klaren Widerspruch zwischen dem, was er sagt, und dem, was er tut.
There is a clear contradiction between what he says and what he does.
objection
A formal expression of rejection or protest against a decision, resolution, or claim, often in a legal or administrative context.
Gegen den Steuerbescheid können Sie innerhalb eines Monats Widerspruch einlegen.
You can file an objection against the tax assessment within one month.
to contradict
To not agree with something or not be compatible with it.
Diese neuen Regeln stehen im Widerspruch zu unseren Grundsätzen der Freiheit.
These new rules contradict our principles of freedom.
The word is made up of 'wider' (against) and 'Spruch' (what is said / saying). A 'Widerspruch' (contradiction / objection) is therefore literally a 'counter-saying', a statement that stands against another.
Seine Rede war voller Widersprüche und unklarer Aussagen.
His speech was full of contradictions and unclear statements.
'Der Widerspruch' (the contradiction / objection) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'widersprechen' (to contradict). When one person contradicts another, they express a 'Widerspruch' (objection / contradiction).
Ich muss Ihnen leider widersprechen.
Unfortunately, I have to contradict you.
In the meaning of 'Kontradiktion' (contradiction), the word is often used in fixed expressions. Typical examples are 'im Widerspruch zu etwas stehen' (to be in contradiction with something), 'ein Widerspruch in sich sein' (to be a contradiction in itself), or 'in einen Widerspruch geraten' (to get into a contradiction).
Seine Forderung nach mehr Umweltschutz und sein großer SUV sind ein Widerspruch in sich.
His demand for more environmental protection and his large SUV are a contradiction in themselves.
In a legal or administrative context, the fixed expression 'Widerspruch einlegen' (to file an objection) is extremely common. One 'erhebt' or 'legt' 'Widerspruch' against an official decision 'ein' (files / raises an objection).
Sie hat sofort Widerspruch gegen die Kündigung eingelegt.
She immediately filed an objection against the dismissal.
The fixed expression 'im Widerspruch stehen zu' (to be in contradiction with) requires the dative. The thing that is contradicted is always in the dative.
Sein Verhalten steht im Widerspruch zu seinen Versprechungen.
His behavior contradicts his promises.
opposite / contrast
Both words can describe two opposing statements or positions. „Gegensatz“ can also refer simply to a strong contrast, whereas „Widerspruch“ means that the statements are incompatible with each other. Use „Gegensatz“ when both sides can coexist, and „Widerspruch“ when one excludes the other.
Die beiden Aussagen sind ein Widerspruch, weil nicht beide gleichzeitig stimmen können.
The two statements contradict each other because they cannot both be true at the same time.
Die beiden Meinungen bilden einen Gegensatz, können aber gemeinsam diskutiert werden.
The two opinions are opposites, but they can still be discussed together.
