German word

debattieren

Pronunciation

IPA/debaˈtiːʁən/

Meaning

  • verbdebate

Example

Wir debattieren oft im Kurs.

We often debate in class.

Illustration for debattieren (debate)

More examples

Die Delegierten debattieren länger als erwartet.

The delegates debate for longer than expected.

Core concept

A structured exchange places contrasting positions and their supporting reasons side by side for public consideration.

Common phrases

  • über kontroverse Themen debattieren

    debate contentious topics

  • öffentlich debattieren

    debate in public

  • angeregt debattieren

    debate vigorously

Similar words

diskutieren: A casual exchange of opinions and information that moves a discussion forward.
argumentieren: Giving reasons for a position in an effort to persuade others.
erörtern: A structured, detailed examination of a topic to clarify its key points.

Definition in German

öffentlich oder formell über ein Thema argumentieren, dabei verschiedene Standpunkte mit Begründungen gegenüberstellen

Word origin

German debattieren is a borrowing from French débattre, ultimately related to Latin battuere, meaning 'to beat'.

Usage tips

  • The usual construction is debattieren über plus the accusative, as in über ein Thema debattieren, and the verb is not separable.

Other meanings

  • discussverb

Opposites

  • sich einigenreach agreementverb

Related words

  • Debattenkulturculture of debatenoun
  • Debattierclubdebating clubnoun

Word lists with this word