To disagree with someone or something by stating the opposite.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To express a contrary opinion or state disagreement.
- Always used with the dative case.
- Commonly used to correct someone or challenge a statement.
Überblick
Das Verb 'widersprechen' ist ein trennbares Verb, das eine klare Positionierung in einer Diskussion oder einem Dialog ausdrückt. Es zeigt an, dass der Sprecher eine gegenteilige Ansicht vertritt. 2) Verwendungsmuster: Das Wort wird fast immer mit dem Dativ verwendet (jemandem widersprechen). Die Konjugation im Präsens lautet: ich widerspreche, du widersprichst, er/sie/es widerspricht. Im Perfekt bildet man es mit 'haben' (ich habe widersprochen). 3) Häufige Kontexte: Es wird oft in formellen Diskussionen, bei Meinungsverschiedenheiten oder zur Richtigstellung von Fakten genutzt. Man kann einer Person widersprechen oder einer Behauptung/Aussage. 4) Vergleich: 'Ablehnen' bedeutet eher, etwas nicht anzunehmen, während 'widersprechen' aktiv eine inhaltliche Gegenposition einnimmt. 'Protestieren' ist eine stärkere, meist öffentliche Form des Widerspruchs.
Examples
Ich muss Ihnen da leider widersprechen.
formalI have to disagree with you there.
Er widerspricht immer seinen Eltern.
everydayHe always contradicts his parents.
Das widerspricht den Tatsachen.
academicThat contradicts the facts.
Widersprich mir nicht!
informalDon't contradict me!
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Widerspruch einlegen
to lodge an objection
im Widerspruch stehen
to be in contradiction
ohne Widerspruch
without objection
Often Confused With
Wiederholen means to repeat, while widersprechen means to disagree. They share a similar prefix sound but have different meanings.
Ablehnen means to decline or reject an offer. Widersprechen is about challenging the truth or opinion of a statement.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'widersprechen' when you want to express a formal or direct disagreement. It is considered a strong verb that indicates a clash of opinions. In professional settings, it is best used with polite phrases like 'Ich muss widersprechen'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the accusative case instead of the dative. Another mistake is treating it as a separable verb like 'aufstehen'. Remember that 'wider-' is an inseparable prefix.
Tips
Use Dative case for people
Always remember to use the dative case when you disagree with a person. Think of it as 'I am speaking against him/her'.
Do not confuse with Wieder
Be careful with the spelling. 'Wider-' means against, while 'wieder-' means again. They are often confused by learners.
Directness in German culture
In German culture, 'widersprechen' is often seen as a sign of critical thinking rather than just rudeness. It is accepted in professional debates.
Word Origin
Derived from Middle High German 'widersprechen'. It combines 'wider' (against) and 'sprechen' (to speak).
Cultural Context
In German debates, expressing a clear 'Widerspruch' is often welcomed as part of a healthy discourse. It is not necessarily seen as aggressive if done with the right tone.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Wider' as 'Against'. If you speak against someone, you 'widersprechen' them.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsDas Verb 'widersprechen' verlangt immer den Dativ. Man sagt also: 'Ich widerspreche dir' oder 'Er widerspricht dem Zeugen'.
Nein, 'widersprechen' ist ein untrennbares Verb. Das Präfix 'wider-' bleibt immer fest mit dem Stamm verbunden.
Das Perfekt wird mit dem Hilfsverb 'haben' gebildet. Beispiel: 'Ich habe ihm gestern widersprochen'.
Ja, 'nein sagen' ist eine einfache Ablehnung, während 'widersprechen' eine inhaltliche Debatte oder Korrektur impliziert.
Test Yourself
Ich ___ dir in diesem Punkt nicht. (widersprechen)
Erste Person Singular Präsens ist 'widerspreche'.
Er widerspricht ____ Lehrer.
Das Verb 'widersprechen' fordert den Dativ, daher 'dem Lehrer'.
widersprochen / hat / er / mir
Im Deutschen ist die Wortstellung flexibel, solange das Verb an zweiter Stelle steht.
Score: /3
Summary
To disagree with someone or something by stating the opposite.
- To express a contrary opinion or state disagreement.
- Always used with the dative case.
- Commonly used to correct someone or challenge a statement.
Use Dative case for people
Always remember to use the dative case when you disagree with a person. Think of it as 'I am speaking against him/her'.
Do not confuse with Wieder
Be careful with the spelling. 'Wider-' means against, while 'wieder-' means again. They are often confused by learners.
Directness in German culture
In German culture, 'widersprechen' is often seen as a sign of critical thinking rather than just rudeness. It is accepted in professional debates.
Examples
4 of 4Ich muss Ihnen da leider widersprechen.
I have to disagree with you there.
Er widerspricht immer seinen Eltern.
He always contradicts his parents.
Das widerspricht den Tatsachen.
That contradicts the facts.
Widersprich mir nicht!
Don't contradict me!
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
More communication words
Ablehnung
A2Rejection or refusal.
abonnieren
B1to subscribe, to sign up for
Absage
B1A cancellation or refusal.
absagen
A2to cancel, call off
Abschied
A2The act of saying goodbye.
Absender
A1A person who sends something, especially a letter or parcel.
Achtung
A2Used to draw attention or warn of danger.
Ähnlichkeit
A2A similarity.
Akzent
A2An accent.
anbieten
A1To present something for someone to accept or consider; to offer.
