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.
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
'Gegensatz' and 'Widerspruch' both have to do with things that do not fit together well. 'Gegensatz' mainly describes a strong difference or contrast, for example between city and countryside or between two opinions. 'Widerspruch' is stronger: two statements, actions, or facts do not fit together logically. In that case, both cannot be true at the same time. Learners may confuse the words because both express a conflict. As a simple guide: a 'Gegensatz' shows a difference; a 'Widerspruch' shows a problem in the logic or in the statement.
In seinem Bericht gibt es einen Widerspruch, weil zwei Zeiten nicht zusammenpassen.
There is a contradiction in his report because two times do not match.
Im Gespräch wurde der Gegensatz zwischen den beiden Plänen schnell klar.
During the conversation, the contrast between the two plans quickly became clear.