conflict / rift
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inner conflict
A state of inner indecision or conflict in which a person is torn between two contradictory feelings, wishes, or duties.
Sie befand sich in einem tiefen Zwiespalt zwischen ihrer Loyalität zum Freund und ihrer Pflicht, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
She found herself in a deep inner conflict between her loyalty to her friend and her duty to tell the truth.
The word consists of 'zwie-', an old form meaning 'zwei' (two), and 'Spalt' (split), meaning 'Riss' (crack) or 'Trennung' (separation). A 'Zwiespalt' (conflict/rift) is therefore literally a crack that splits someone or something into two parts.
Der innere Zwiespalt machte ihm das Leben schwer.
The inner conflict made life difficult for him.
'Zwiespalt' (conflict/rift) belongs to a more elevated or written style of language. It sounds more formal and reflective.
In seinem Brief beschrieb er den tiefen Zwiespalt seiner Gefühle.
In his letter, he described the deep conflict in his feelings.
When referring to an inner conflict, 'Zwiespalt' (inner conflict) is often used with the verbs 'sein' (to be), 'stecken' (to be stuck), or 'sich befinden' (to find oneself). The preposition is almost always 'in' (in).
Ich stecke in einem Zwiespalt und weiß nicht, was ich tun soll.
I am stuck in an inner conflict and don't know what I should do.
You can recognize this meaning from the fact that the conflict takes place between different people or groups. The structure 'Zwiespalt zwischen A und B' (rift between A and B) is often used.
Der Zwiespalt zwischen den beiden Abteilungen lähmte die ganze Firma.
The rift between the two departments paralyzed the whole company.
argument / dispute
'der Streit' and 'der Zwiespalt' can both mean a conflict, but the location of the conflict is often different. 'Der Streit' happens between people: people discuss, contradict each other, or raise their voices. 'Der Zwiespalt' can be inside a person when they are torn between two feelings or decisions. It can also mean a serious disagreement between groups, but then it sounds more abstract. Learners may confuse the words because both express tension or opposing sides. For an open confrontation, you usually say 'Streit'. For an inner conflict, 'Zwiespalt' is the right word.
Lisa ist im Zwiespalt, weil sie ihre Freunde besuchen will, aber für die Prüfung lernen muss.
Lisa is torn because she wants to visit her friends but has to study for the exam.
Am Morgen begann ein Streit, weil niemand das gemeinsame Essen vorbereitet hatte.
In the morning, an argument started because no one had prepared the shared meal.