German word

streiten

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʃtʁaɪ̯tn̩/

Meaning

  • verbargue

Example

Wir streiten oft über Kleinigkeiten.

We often argue about trivial things.

Illustration for streiten (argue)

More examples

Die Fraktionen streiten um die Vorherrschaft.

The factions are vying for supremacy.

Core concept

Opponents meet in a struggle that can involve heated words, a debate, or competition for something.

Common phrases

  • sich streiten

    argue

  • um die Vorherrschaft streiten

    vie for supremacy

  • öffentlich streiten

    argue publicly

Similar words

diskutieren: Exchange views or information calmly through conversation.
argumentieren: Present and defend a position with reasons or evidence.
zanken: Have a brief quarrel over something petty.
sich verkrachen: Become estranged after a heated argument and stop speaking for a while.

Definition in German

mit jemandem laut oder heftig über etwas Meinungsverschiedenheiten äußern

Word origin

Streiten is an inherited Germanic verb whose early sense was to fight or struggle, while its modern uses include verbal disputes and rivalry.

Usage tips

  • German often uses streiten without sich, as in ueber etwas streiten, while sich streiten emphasizes that the participants are arguing with each other.

Other meanings

  • debateverb
  • competeverb

Opposites

  • sich einigenreach agreementverb

Related words

  • streitsüchtigquarrelsomeadjective
  • Streitlustbelligerencenoun

Word lists with this word