German word

Konflikt

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔnˈflɪkt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounconflict

Example

Zwischen den Abteilungen gab es Konflikte.

There were conflicts between the departments.

Illustration for Konflikt (conflict)

More examples

Wir versuchen, den Konflikt sachlich zu lösen.

We are trying to resolve the conflict objectively.

Core concept

A clash between competing demands creates tension and can leave a person or group unable to choose a workable direction.

Common phrases

  • einen Konflikt lösen

    resolve a conflict

  • in Konflikt geraten

    get into conflict

  • einen Konflikt vermeiden

    avoid a conflict

Similar words

Streit: An emotionally charged argument or quarrel between people.
Meinungsverschiedenheit: A difference in views that prevents people from reaching agreement.
Auseinandersetzung: A dispute or debate in which opposing views are openly confronted.
Konfrontation: A direct face-to-face clash in which opposing sides confront each other.

Definition in German

die Unvereinbarkeit von Zielen, Interessen oder Normen, die zu Spannungen oder zu Handlungshemmungen führen kann

Word origin

Konflikt entered German from Latin conflictus, a noun for a collision or struggle formed from the verb confligere, 'to strike together'.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses Konflikt lösen for resolving a conflict and Konflikte vermeiden for avoiding conflicts; both take a direct object.

Other meanings

  • clashnoun
  • disputenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • Konfliktlösungconflict resolutionnoun
  • konfliktfähigable to handle conflictadjective

Word lists with this word