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sich streiten

A2 verb #4,000 most common 10 min read

sich streiten

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips sich streiten in 30 Seconds

Explanation sich streiten in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'sich streiten' as a word for 'to argue'. You don't need to master all the complex grammar, but you should know that it's something people do when they are angry. You might see it in simple sentences like 'Die Kinder streiten sich.' (The children are arguing). At this stage, the most important thing is to remember that the word 'sich' belongs with it. You might not use it much yourself, but you should understand it when you hear it in a story or a basic conversation about family. It's a 'doing' word that involves at least two people. Think of it as the opposite of 'playing nicely'. Even at A1, knowing that 'mit' means 'with' can help you understand 'Er streitet mit seiner Mutter.'

At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'sich streiten' in your own sentences. You should be able to conjugate it in the present tense (ich streite mich, du streitest dich, etc.) and use the Perfekt form (haben + gestritten) to talk about past disagreements. You should also start using the prepositions 'mit' (with) and 'über' (about). For example, 'Ich habe mich mit meinem Freund über den Film gestritten.' This level is about describing daily life, so talking about common conflicts with friends, family, or colleagues is a key skill. You should also be able to form simple questions like 'Warum streitet ihr euch?' and understand the difference between a 'Streit' (noun) and 'sich streiten' (verb).

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'sich streiten' in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses. For instance, 'Ich finde es schade, dass wir uns immer über das Geld streiten.' You should also begin to understand the nuances between 'sich streiten' and its synonyms like 'sich zanken' or 'diskutieren'. At this level, you can describe the intensity of the argument using adverbs like 'heftig' (heavily), 'ständig' (constantly), or 'wegen einer Kleinigkeit' (because of a small thing). You should also be aware of the non-reflexive use 'streiten für/gegen', which means fighting for or against a cause. Your ability to use the Präteritum 'stritt' in written contexts should also be developing.

At the B2 level, you should be able to use 'sich streiten' in abstract and professional contexts. You might discuss political disputes ('Die Parteien streiten über den Haushalt') or legal matters. You should have a firm grasp of related idiomatic expressions and be able to use the noun 'Streitigkeit' or the adjective 'umstritten' (controversial) correctly. You can explain the 'Streitkultur' in different countries and use the verb to express subtle differences in opinion. Your grammar should be near-perfect, including the correct placement of the reflexive pronoun in complex sentences with multiple verbs or infinitive constructions ('Es ist sinnlos, sich darüber zu streiten').

At C1, you use 'sich streiten' and its derivatives with high precision. You can distinguish between 'sich streiten', 'sich überwerfen' (to fall out with someone), and 'im Clinch liegen'. You can use the verb in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps in a debate or a high-level essay about social conflict. You understand the historical etymology and how the word has evolved. You can also use the verb in the subjunctive mood (Konjunktiv) to talk about hypothetical arguments: 'Wenn sie sich nicht ständig streiten würden, wäre das Projekt erfolgreicher.' Your vocabulary includes academic terms like 'Disput', 'Kontroverse', and 'Auseinandersetzung', and you know exactly when 'sich streiten' is too informal and when it is the perfect choice for impact.

At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'sich streiten'. You can appreciate and use the word in literary, legal, and highly technical contexts. You understand regional variations in usage and can pick up on the subtle emotional undertones when a speaker chooses 'streiten' over a synonym. You can engage in complex wordplay or use the verb in ironic and metaphorical ways. You are familiar with historical legal terms like 'Streitgegenstand' (matter in dispute) and can navigate intense intellectual debates where 'streiten' is used to describe the clash of grand philosophies or scientific theories. Your use of the verb is effortless, grammatically flawless, and contextually perfect.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

sich streiten in 30 Seconds

Sich streiten is a common reflexive verb meaning to argue or quarrel verbally with others.
It requires reflexive pronouns (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch) that match the subject of the sentence.
Common prepositions used are 'mit' for the person you argue with and 'über' for the topic.
The verb follows a strong conjugation pattern: streiten (present), stritt (past), hat gestritten (perfect).

The German verb sich streiten is a fundamental reflexive verb used to describe the act of arguing, quarreling, or having a disagreement with someone. At its core, it signifies a verbal conflict where two or more parties express opposing views, often accompanied by emotional tension. In German culture, the concept of 'Streit' (the noun form) isn't always viewed negatively; it can be seen as a necessary part of a healthy 'Streitkultur' (culture of debate), provided it remains constructive. However, sich streiten usually implies a more personal or heated exchange than a simple 'Diskussion'.

The Reflexive Nature: The word is almost always used reflexively. This means you don't just 'argue'; you 'argue yourself' with someone. The pronoun (mich, dich, sich, uns, euch, sich) must match the subject. For example, 'Wir streiten uns' (We are arguing).

You will use this word in various social contexts. It is common in family settings, where siblings might 'sich streiten' over a toy, or in romantic relationships where partners 'sich streiten' about household chores. In a more formal or professional setting, the word might be replaced by 'sich auseinandersetzen' or 'diskutieren', but 'sich streiten' remains the most direct way to describe a clash of opinions.

Meine Nachbarn streiten sich jeden Abend lautstark über die Parkplätze.

It is important to distinguish between the reflexive 'sich streiten' and the non-reflexive 'streiten'. While the reflexive version focuses on the reciprocal act of arguing with another person, the non-reflexive 'streiten' (often followed by 'für' or 'gegen') can mean to fight or strive for a cause. For instance, 'Sie streiten für mehr Gerechtigkeit' (They are fighting for more justice). As an A2 learner, you will primarily encounter and use the reflexive form to talk about interpersonal conflicts.

Emotional Nuance: The intensity of 'sich streiten' can range from a minor bicker ('sich kabbeln') to a full-blown shouting match. Context is key. If a child says 'Wir haben uns gestritten,' it might just mean they didn't want to share a snack. If a lawyer says 'Die Parteien streiten sich,' it implies a legal dispute.

Warum müssen wir uns ständig um Kleinigkeiten streiten?

In summary, 'sich streiten' is your go-to verb for any situation involving disagreement. It captures the friction that occurs when two perspectives collide. Whether it's a political debate that turned sour or a simple misunderstanding between friends, this verb covers the spectrum of human disagreement in the German language.

Using sich streiten correctly requires attention to two main things: the reflexive pronoun and the prepositions that follow it. Because it is a reflexive verb, the pronoun changes based on who is doing the arguing. Let's look at the conjugation in the present tense: Ich streite mich, du streitest dich, er/sie/es streitet sich, wir streiten uns, ihr streitet euch, sie/Sie streiten sich.

The 'With' and 'About' Structure: The most common sentence pattern is: [Subject] + [Reflexive Pronoun] + [Verb] + [mit + Person (Dative)] + [über + Topic (Accusative)]. For example: 'Ich streite mich mit meinem Bruder über das Auto.' (I am arguing with my brother about the car.)

In the past tense (Perfekt), 'sich streiten' uses the auxiliary verb 'haben'. Since it's a strong verb, the past participle is 'gestritten'. Example: 'Wir haben uns gestern heftig gestritten.' (We argued heavily yesterday.) Note that the reflexive pronoun stays close to the auxiliary verb in main clauses.

Hast du dich wieder mit deiner Schwester gestritten?

When using modal verbs, 'sich streiten' moves to the end of the sentence in its infinitive form. Example: 'Ich möchte mich nicht mit dir streiten.' (I don't want to argue with you.) This is a very useful phrase to de-escalate a situation. Another common variation uses the preposition 'um' instead of 'über' when the argument is about a specific object or a 'prize'. 'Sie streiten sich um den letzten Keks' (They are fighting over the last cookie).

Plural Usage: When the subject is plural (like 'we' or 'they'), the reflexive pronoun 'uns' or 'sich' implies that the parties are arguing with each other. You don't necessarily need to add 'miteinander' (with each other), though you can for emphasis: 'Sie streiten sich miteinander.'

Die Politiker streiten sich im Parlament über das neue Gesetz.

Finally, remember that 'sich streiten' can also be used in the Präteritum (simple past), which is more common in written stories: 'Sie stritten sich lange.' However, in spoken German at the A2 level, you should focus on the Perfekt form 'haben sich gestritten'. Mastery of this verb allows you to describe conflicts accurately and navigate social dynamics in German-speaking environments.

You will encounter sich streiten in almost every corner of German daily life. It is not a slang term, nor is it overly academic; it is the standard, everyday word for conflict. If you are watching a German soap opera or a drama series, you will hear it constantly as characters navigate their relationships. 'Hör auf, dich zu streiten!' (Stop arguing!) is a classic line you might hear a parent say to their children in a German supermarket.

In the News and Media: News anchors frequently use this verb when reporting on political disagreements. You might hear: 'Die Koalitionspartner streiten sich über die Steuerreform.' In this context, it sounds professional but indicates a clear lack of consensus. It’s also common in talk shows where moderators might intervene by saying, 'Bitte streiten Sie sich nicht!'

In the workplace, you might hear colleagues discussing a project. If someone says, 'Wir sollten uns nicht über Details streiten,' they are suggesting that the team should focus on the big picture rather than getting bogged down in minor disagreements. It’s a word that helps define boundaries and express frustration or the need for resolution.

In der Talkshow streiten sich die Experten über den Klimawandel.

Literature and music also use 'sich streiten' to evoke emotion. Many German pop songs deal with heartbreak and the 'Streit' that leads to a breakup. Reading a German novel, you might find a sentence like: 'Sie stritten sich, bis die Sonne unterging' (They argued until the sun went down), using the Präteritum form to set a dramatic scene.

Legal and Formal Contexts: Even in legal settings, 'streiten' appears. A 'Rechtsstreit' is a legal dispute. While the verb itself might be 'prozessieren' in a courtroom, 'sich streiten' is how the general public describes two people taking each other to court.

Die beiden Firmen streiten sich vor Gericht um das Patent.

Ultimately, hearing 'sich streiten' is a signal of tension. Whether it's a whisper between friends or a headline in 'Der Spiegel', the word is a universal marker for the friction of human interaction in German-speaking society.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using sich streiten is forgetting the reflexive pronoun. In English, we say 'We are arguing,' but in German, you cannot simply say 'Wir streiten' if you mean you are arguing with each other. You must include 'uns'. Saying 'Ich streite mit ihm' is technically possible but sounds incomplete or refers to 'fighting for a cause' rather than 'having a quarrel'. Always remember: sich is your friend here.

Preposition Pitfalls: Another frequent error involves prepositions. Learners often try to translate 'argue about' literally using 'über' (which is correct) but then fail to use the Accusative case. Or, they mistakenly use 'für' or 'von'. Remember: 'über' + Accusative for the topic, and 'mit' + Dative for the person.

Confusion with similar-looking verbs is also common. 'Bestreiten' means 'to deny' or 'to dispute the truth of something' (e.g., 'Er bestreitet die Vorwürfe'). 'Abstreiten' also means 'to deny'. Neither of these is reflexive in the same way 'sich streiten' is. Using 'bestreiten' when you mean 'to argue' will lead to significant confusion.

Falsch: Wir streiten für das Geld. (Unless you are fighting for the cause of money). Richtig: Wir streiten uns um das Geld.

The conjugation of the past participle 'gestritten' can also be tricky. Some learners try to make it regular ('gestreitet'), but 'streiten' is a strong verb (streiten - stritt - gestritten). Always use the '-en' ending for the Perfekt form. Also, ensure you use 'haben' as the auxiliary verb, not 'sein'. Even though 'streiten' involves interaction, it is not a verb of movement or change of state.

The 'Sich' Placement: In complex sentences, learners often misplace the 'sich'. In a subordinate clause (starting with 'weil', 'dass', etc.), the 'sich' usually comes right after the subject. Correct: '...weil er sich oft streitet.' Incorrect: '...weil er streitet sich oft.'

Falsch: Ich habe mich gestreitet. Richtig: Ich habe mich gestritten.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls—the reflexive pronoun, the specific prepositions, the strong verb conjugation, and the word order—you will be able to use 'sich streiten' with the confidence of a much more advanced speaker.

While sich streiten is the most versatile word for arguing, German offers several alternatives that carry different levels of formality and intensity. Understanding these can help you fine-tune your expression and understand the subtle nuances of a conversation.

Diskutieren vs. Sich Streiten: 'Diskutieren' is more neutral and objective. It implies an exchange of arguments without necessarily having the emotional heat or 'fight' aspect of 'sich streiten'. You 'diskutieren' a topic at work; you 'streiten sich' with your partner about who forgot to buy milk.
Sich Zanken: This verb is often used for children or for petty, insignificant arguments. It sounds a bit more childish or trivial than 'sich streiten'. If adults are 'sich zanken', it might imply they are behaving immaturely.

For more intense or formal situations, you might use sich auseinandersetzen. This can mean to deal with a topic deeply, but when used with 'mit jemandem', it often implies a serious conflict or a confrontation that requires resolution. It is more sophisticated than 'sich streiten'.

Wir streiten uns (standard) / Wir zanken uns (petty/kids) / Wir haben einen Zoff (slang).

In colloquial German, you might hear the noun-based expression 'Zoff haben' or the verb 'sich zoffen'. These are slangy and very common among younger people. 'Wir haben uns total gezofft' means 'We had a massive row'. On the other end of the spectrum, 'debattieren' is used for formal, structured debates, like those in parliament.

Sich Streiten vs. Kämpfen: 'Kämpfen' means to fight physically or to struggle for something. 'Sich streiten' is almost exclusively verbal. You wouldn't say two boxers 'streiten sich' in the ring; they 'kämpfen'.

Anstatt zu diskutieren, fingen sie an, sich heftig zu streiten.

By choosing the right word, you show that you understand not just the meaning of the conflict, but also its social weight and context. Start with 'sich streiten' as your foundation, and gradually add these alternatives to your vocabulary as you progress to B1 and B2 levels.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The English word 'stride' is a distant relative, sharing the root meaning of making a strong physical effort or movement.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /zɪç ˈʃtʁaɪtn̩/

US /zɪx ˈʃtʁaɪtən/

The stress is on the first syllable of the verb: STREI-ten.

Rhymes With

reiten (to ride) leiten (to lead) weiten (to widen) gleiten (to glide) schreiten (to stride) begleiten (to accompany) bereiten (to prepare) Seiten (pages/sides)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'st' as 'st' instead of 'sht'.
Confusing 'ei' with 'ie' (saying 'striten' instead of 'streiten').
Not pronouncing the 'ch' in 'sich' correctly (making it a 'k' sound).
Over-pronouncing the final 'en'.
Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'sich' altogether.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in texts, though strong verb forms like 'stritten' can be tricky.

Writing 3/5

Requires correct reflexive pronoun and prepositional cases (mit/über).

Speaking 3/5

Reflexive pronouns must be used quickly and correctly in conversation.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but reflexive pronouns can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

sich mit über haben diskutieren

Learn Next

sich vertragen sich einigen der Streit umstritten bestreiten

Advanced

die Auseinandersetzung die Kontroverse der Disput erbittert schlichten

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Verbs

Ich streite **mich**.

Prepositions with Dative

mit **meinem** Freund

Prepositions with Accusative

über **das** Wetter

Strong Verbs (Perfekt)

haben + ge...en (gestritten)

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

..., weil wir uns **streiten**.

Examples by Level

Die Kinder streiten sich.

The children are arguing.

Reflexive pronoun 'sich' matches the plural subject.

Warum streitest du dich?

Why are you arguing?

Question form with 'du' and 'dich'.

Wir streiten uns nicht.

We are not arguing.

Negation with 'nicht' after the reflexive pronoun.

Sie streiten sich oft.

They argue often.

Use of the adverb 'oft'.

Streitet ihr euch?

Are you (plural) arguing?

Inversion in a question with 'ihr' and 'euch'.

Ich streite mich mit dir.

I am arguing with you.

'mit' + dative 'dir'.

Hör auf zu streiten!

Stop arguing!

Imperative with 'zu' + infinitive (reflexive pronoun often omitted in short commands).

Meine Eltern streiten sich.

My parents are arguing.

Plural subject 'Eltern'.

Wir haben uns gestern gestritten.

We argued yesterday.

Perfekt tense: haben + gestritten.

Sie streiten sich über das Essen.

They are arguing about the food.

'über' + accusative 'das Essen'.

Ich möchte mich nicht mit dir streiten.

I don't want to argue with you.

Modal verb 'möchte' + infinitive at the end.

Warum habt ihr euch gestritten?

Why did you (plural) argue?

Perfekt tense in a question.

Er streitet sich immer mit seinem Chef.

He always argues with his boss.

Present tense with 'immer' and 'mit' + dative.

Wir streiten uns um den letzten Platz.

We are fighting over the last seat.

'um' + accusative for a specific object/prize.

Sie haben sich wegen einer Kleinigkeit gestritten.

They argued over a trifle (small thing).

'wegen' + genitive (or dative in spoken German).

Musst du dich ständig streiten?

Do you have to argue constantly?

Modal verb 'müssen' + reflexive verb.

Es ist normal, dass Geschwister sich streiten.

It is normal that siblings argue.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'; 'sich' follows the subject.

Sie streiten sich schon seit Stunden.

They have been arguing for hours.

Present tense used for an action continuing from the past.

Wenn wir uns streiten, gehen wir spazieren.

When we argue, we go for a walk.

Conditional clause with 'wenn'.

Er hat sich mit seiner Freundin gestritten und ist jetzt traurig.

He argued with his girlfriend and is now sad.

Compound sentence with two actions.

Wir sollten uns nicht über solche Dinge streiten.

We shouldn't argue about such things.

Konjunktiv II 'sollten' for advice.

Obwohl sie sich oft streiten, lieben sie sich.

Although they argue often, they love each other.

Concessive clause with 'obwohl'.

Ich hasse es, wenn sich meine Freunde streiten.

I hate it when my friends argue.

Reflexive pronoun 'sich' placed before the subject 'meine Freunde'.

Sie haben sich heftig über die Politik gestritten.

They argued heatedly about politics.

Adverb 'heftig' modifying the verb.

Die Parteien streiten sich leidenschaftlich über die Steuerreform.

The parties are arguing passionately about the tax reform.

Abstract topic with formal subject.

Es bringt nichts, sich über die Vergangenheit zu streiten.

It's no use arguing about the past.

Infinitive construction with 'zu'.

Sie stritten sich so lange, bis keiner mehr wusste, worum es ging.

They argued so long until no one knew what it was about anymore.

Präteritum 'stritten' and 'worum' (da-compound).

Anstatt sich zu streiten, sollten sie nach einer Lösung suchen.

Instead of arguing, they should look for a solution.

'Anstatt... zu' + infinitive.

Das Paar streitet sich ständig um die Erziehung der Kinder.

The couple is constantly arguing about the upbringing of the children.

Complex noun phrase 'Erziehung der Kinder'.

Wir haben uns darauf geeinigt, uns nicht mehr zu streiten.

We agreed not to argue anymore.

Reflexive verb in an infinitive clause after a prepositional verb.

Die Nachbarn streiten sich gerichtlich um die Grundstücksgrenze.

The neighbors are arguing in court about the property line.

Adverb 'gerichtlich' (legally/in court).

Man kann über Geschmack nicht streiten.

One cannot argue about taste (De gustibus non est disputandum).

Proverbial usage; note the absence of 'sich' in this fixed idiom sometimes.

Die Gelehrten streiten sich seit Jahrhunderten über diese philosophische Frage.

Scholars have been arguing about this philosophical question for centuries.

Academic context, plural reflexive.

Es ist müßig, sich darüber zu streiten, wer angefangen hat.

It is futile to argue about who started it.

Adjective 'müßig' (futile/idle).

Sie haben sich hoffnungslos zerstritten.

They have become hopelessly estranged through arguing.

Prefix 'zer-' indicates destruction or finality of the argument.

Die Erben streiten sich erbittert um das beträchtliche Vermögen.

The heirs are arguing bitterly over the substantial fortune.

Adverb 'erbittert' (bitterly).

In der Wissenschaft wird oft über die richtige Methodik gestritten.

In science, the correct methodology is often argued about.

Passive voice (Passiv) with 'gestritten'.

Wer sich streitet, sollte auch die Fähigkeit zur Versöhnung besitzen.

Whoever argues should also possess the ability to reconcile.

Relative clause as subject.

Die beiden Firmen streiten sich um die Marktführerschaft.

The two companies are contending for market leadership.

Business context.

Trotz des Streits respektieren sie die Meinung des anderen.

Despite the argument, they respect each other's opinion.

Noun form 'Streit' used with 'trotz' + genitive.

Die Exegeten streiten sich über die Interpretation dieser dunklen Passage.

The exegetes are disputing the interpretation of this obscure passage.

Highly specialized vocabulary ('Exegeten').

Man mag sich darüber streiten, ob diese Maßnahme tatsächlich zielführend war.

One might argue whether this measure was actually effective.

Modal verb 'mögen' used to express a possibility or concession.

Es entbrannte ein heftiger Streit, in dem sich die Gemüter erhitzten.

A fierce argument flared up, in which tempers flared.

Metaphorical language ('entbrannte', 'Gemüter erhitzten').

Sie streiten sich um des Kaisers Bart.

They are arguing over nothing (idiom: the Emperor's beard).

Idiomatic expression for a useless argument.

Die Dialektik des Fortschritts lässt sich nicht ohne Streit denken.

The dialectic of progress cannot be conceived without conflict.

Philosophical register.

Das Gericht hat zu entscheiden, worüber die Parteien im Kern streiten.

The court has to decide what the parties are essentially arguing about.

Legal precision.

Obschon sie sich im Grunde einig waren, stritten sie sich aus Prinzip.

Although they basically agreed, they argued out of principle.

Archaic/literary conjunction 'obschon'.

Ein kluger Kopf streitet sich nicht mit Unwissenden.

A wise mind does not argue with the ignorant.

Aphoristic style.

Common Collocations

heftig streiten

ständig streiten

um Geld streiten

mit jemandem streiten

über Politik streiten

wegen Kleinigkeiten streiten

gerichtlich streiten

sich lautstark streiten

sich erbittert streiten

sich öffentlich streiten

Common Phrases

Wir streiten uns nicht.

— A common way to deny that a conversation has turned into an argument.

Wir streiten uns nicht, wir diskutieren nur!

Hör auf zu streiten!

— A command to stop arguing immediately.

Kinder, hör auf zu streiten!

Es lohnt sich nicht zu streiten.

— Expressing that an argument is a waste of time.

Wegen fünf Euro lohnt es sich nicht zu streiten.

Sie streiten wie Hund und Katze.

— They argue all the time and very intensely.

Die beiden Geschwister streiten wie Hund und Katze.

Sich wegen nichts streiten.

— To argue over something completely unimportant.

Wir haben uns gestern wegen nichts gestritten.

Darüber lässt sich streiten.

— That is a matter of opinion / that's debatable.

Ob das schön ist? Darüber lässt sich streiten.

Sich wieder vertragen.

— To make up after an argument.

Nach dem Streit haben sie sich wieder vertragen.

Ein ewiger Streit.

— A never-ending disagreement.

Das ist ein ewiger Streit in unserer Familie.

Den Streit schlichten.

— To mediate or settle an argument.

Die Mutter versuchte, den Streit zu schlichten.

Vermeide es, dich zu streiten.

— Advice to stay out of conflicts.

Vermeide es, dich mit deinem Chef zu streiten.

Often Confused With

sich streiten vs bestreiten

Means 'to deny' or 'to finance', not to argue with someone.

sich streiten vs schreiten

Means 'to stride' or 'to walk', sounds similar but very different meaning.

sich streiten vs streuen

Means 'to scatter' or 'to sprinkle'.

Idioms & Expressions

"Sich um des Kaisers Bart streiten"

— To argue about something completely trivial or non-existent.

Hört auf, euch um des Kaisers Bart zu streiten!

literary/old-fashioned

"Wie Hund und Katze sein"

— To be constantly at odds or arguing.

Die neuen Kollegen sind wie Hund und Katze.

informal

"In den Haaren liegen"

— To be in the middle of a fight or argument.

Sie liegen sich ständig in den Haaren.

informal

"Das Kriegsbeil begraben"

— To end an argument and make peace (bury the hatchet).

Es wird Zeit, dass wir das Kriegsbeil begraben.

neutral

"Jemandem die Stirn bieten"

— To stand up to someone in an argument.

Sie bot ihrem Gegner mutig die Stirn.

formal

"Auf Kriegsfuß stehen"

— To be on bad terms or in a constant state of disagreement with someone.

Er steht mit der Technik auf Kriegsfuß.

informal

"Dicke Luft haben"

— There is a tense atmosphere because of a recent argument.

Nach dem Meeting herrschte dicke Luft.

informal

"Ein Machtwort sprechen"

— To put an end to an argument by using one's authority.

Der Chef musste ein Machtwort sprechen.

neutral

"Sich in die Wolle kriegen"

— To start arguing or fighting.

Wegen der Verspätung haben sie sich in die Wolle gekriegt.

informal

"Öl ins Feuer gießen"

— To make an argument worse (pour oil on the fire).

Deine Bemerkung hat nur Öl ins Feuer gegossen.

neutral

Easily Confused

sich streiten vs bestreiten

Similar root and spelling.

Bestreiten is transitive and means to deny a fact or cover costs. Sich streiten is reflexive and means to have a verbal fight.

Er bestreitet die Tat. vs. Er streitet sich mit ihr.

sich streiten vs diskutieren

Both involve talking about differences.

Diskutieren is neutral and objective. Sich streiten is emotional and implies conflict.

Wir diskutieren den Plan. vs. Wir streiten uns über den Plan.

sich streiten vs kämpfen

Both involve conflict.

Kämpfen is often physical or a long-term struggle. Sich streiten is specifically verbal.

Soldaten kämpfen. vs. Nachbarn streiten sich.

sich streiten vs zanken

Synonyms.

Zanken is for petty, childish arguments. Streiten is more general and can be serious.

Die Kinder zanken sich.

sich streiten vs abstreiten

Similar root.

Abstreiten means to deny something (like an accusation).

Er streitet alles ab.

Sentence Patterns

Subjekt + sich + streiten.

Die Kinder streiten sich.

Subjekt + sich + streiten + mit + Dativ.

Er streitet sich mit seinem Bruder.

Subjekt + sich + streiten + über + Akkusativ.

Wir streiten uns über den Preis.

Subjekt + haben + sich + gestritten.

Sie haben sich gestern gestritten.

Subjekt + modal + sich + streiten.

Wir wollen uns nicht streiten.

Es + bringt + nichts, + sich + zu + streiten.

Es bringt nichts, sich zu streiten.

Subjekt + zerstreiten + sich.

Die Freunde haben sich zerstritten.

Passiv: Es wird über ... gestritten.

Es wird über die Reform gestritten.

Word Family

Nouns

der Streit the argument/quarrel

die Streitigkeit the dispute (often legal/formal)

der Streithammel a person who likes to argue (informal)

die Streitkultur the culture of debate

Verbs

bestreiten to deny / to finance

abstreiten to deny

zerstreiten to fall out (reflexive: sich zerstreiten)

erstreiten to obtain something by fighting/legal action

Adjectives

streitlustig argumentative/combative

streitsüchtig quarrelsome

umstritten controversial/disputed

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and media.

Common Mistakes

Wir streiten über das Wetter. → Wir streiten **uns** über das Wetter.
The reflexive pronoun 'uns' is missing.
Ich habe mich mit mein Bruder gestritten. → Ich habe mich mit **meinem** Bruder gestritten.
'Mit' always takes the dative case.
Sie haben sich gestreitet. → Sie haben sich **gestritten**.
'Streiten' is a strong verb and ends in -en in the past participle.
Wir streiten für das Auto. → Wir streiten **um** das Auto.
'Für' means fighting for a cause; 'um' or 'über' is used for arguing over an object.
Warum du streitest dich? → Warum **streitest du** dich?
In a question, the verb comes before the subject.

Tips

Reflexive Pronoun Check

Always match the pronoun to the subject: Ich/mich, du/dich, er/sich, wir/uns, ihr/euch, sie/sich.

Topic Preposition

Use 'über' + Accusative for the subject of the argument. 'Wir streiten über den Film.'

Person Preposition

Use 'mit' + Dative for the person you are arguing with. 'Ich streite mit meiner Schwester.'

De-escalation

Learn 'Ich möchte mich nicht streiten' to end conflicts quickly in German.

Streitkultur

Remember that a 'Streit' in Germany can sometimes be a sign of honesty rather than a broken relationship.

Strong Verb

Memorize the pattern: streiten - stritt - gestritten. Don't use 'gestreitet'!

Context Clues

If you hear 'mit' and 'über' together, someone is likely describing an argument.

Hund und Katze

Use 'wie Hund und Katze' to describe two people who argue constantly.

Avoid Bestreiten

Don't confuse 'sich streiten' with 'bestreiten' (to deny). They are very different!

The 'ST' Sound

Remember that 'st' at the start of a word is always pronounced 'sht' in standard German.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine two people STRiding towards each other to STREITen (argue). STREIT sounds a bit like 'STRIght' (straight) - they are talking straight but angrily.

Visual Association

Picture a 'Reflexive Mirror'. When you argue (streiten), you see yourself (sich) in the mirror because it's a reflexive action involving two sides.

Word Web

Streit sich vertragen diskutieren über (about) mit (with) gestritten Zoff Meinung

Challenge

Try to use 'sich streiten' in three different tenses today: 'Ich streite mich', 'Ich habe mich gestritten', and 'Ich werde mich streiten'.

Word Origin

Derived from Middle High German 'striten' and Old High German 'stritan'.

Original meaning: The root originally meant to strive, to exert oneself, or to move forward with effort.

Germanic, related to Dutch 'strijden' and Swedish 'strida'.

Cultural Context

Avoid using 'sich streiten' to describe serious physical violence; use 'sich schlagen' or 'kämpfen' instead.

In English, we often use 'fight' for both verbal and physical conflict. In German, 'sich streiten' is specifically verbal, while 'kämpfen' is physical or metaphorical struggle.

The play 'Der Streit' by Pierre Carlet de Marivaux (German translation). The 'Historikerstreit' (Historians' Quarrel) in the 1980s about German history. The popular children's book 'Zwei kleine Bären streiten sich'.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

Hör auf zu zanken!
Warum streitet ihr euch?
Meine Eltern streiten sich.
Geschwisterstreit ist normal.

Relationship

Wir haben uns gestritten.
Ich will mich nicht streiten.
Sollen wir uns wieder vertragen?
Ein Streit wegen nichts.

Work

Wir streiten über das Budget.
Kein Grund zum Streiten.
Die Abteilungen streiten sich.
Ein fachlicher Streit.

Legal

Ein gerichtlicher Streit.
Die Parteien streiten sich.
Der Streitgegenstand ist klar.
Den Streit beilegen.

Politics

Parteienstreit im Bundestag.
Über Steuern wird gestritten.
Ein heftiger politischer Streit.
Die Koalition streitet sich.

Conversation Starters

"Worüber hast du dich das letzte Mal gestritten?"

"Streitest du dich oft mit deinen Geschwistern?"

"Findest du, dass Streit in einer Beziehung gesund ist?"

"Wie reagierst du, wenn sich Fremde in der Öffentlichkeit streiten?"

"Was ist für dich der häufigste Grund, sich zu streiten?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du dich mit einem Freund gestritten hast. Wie habt ihr den Streit gelöst?

Warum streiten sich Menschen oft über Kleinigkeiten, anstatt über wichtige Dinge zu reden?

Ist 'Streitkultur' in deinem Heimatland wichtig? Vergleiche es mit Deutschland.

Schreibe über einen fiktiven Streit zwischen zwei berühmten Persönlichkeiten.

Wie fühlst du dich nach einem heftigen Streit? Was tust du, um dich zu beruhigen?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In the sense of 'to argue with each other', yes. The non-reflexive 'streiten' usually means to fight for a cause (e.g., streiten für die Freiheit).

'Über' is the general preposition for the topic. 'Um' is often used when you are competing for something, like 'um einen Preis' or 'um den letzten Platz'.

It's better to say 'Ich streite mich mit dir'. Without 'mich', it sounds like you are fighting a battle alongside or against someone in a more formal sense.

The Präteritum is 'stritt' and the Perfekt is 'hat gestritten'. At A2 level, focus on 'hat gestritten'.

'Zanken' is more like 'bickering' and is mostly used for children or petty issues.

You use the verb 'sich vertragen'. Example: 'Wir haben uns wieder vertragen.'

No, for physical fights you would use 'sich schlagen' or 'kämpfen'.

It is masculine: der Streit.

It is an adjective meaning 'controversial' or 'disputed'. Example: 'Ein umstrittenes Thema'.

You say: 'Hört auf euch zu streiten!' or simply 'Hört auf zu streiten!'