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sich ernsthaft streiten

/zɪç ˈɛʁnsthaft ˈʃtʁaɪ̯tn̩/
phrase★Intermediate— to argue seriously
informalformal

To engage in a serious, intense, or heated argument or dispute, often about important or consequential matters.

Die Geschwister stritten sich ernsthaft über die Erbschaft.

The siblings argued seriously about the inheritance.

Die Politiker stritten sich ernsthaft über die Klimapolitik.

The politicians argued seriously about climate policy.

💡

This phrase emphasizes the intensity and seriousness of the disagreement, often involving significant consequences or emotional investment.

Collocations

sich ernsthaft streiten überto argue seriously aboutsich ernsthaft streiten mitto argue seriously with

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

sich erbittert streitenphrase
to argue fiercely
sich heftig streitenphrase
to argue intensely

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

Use this phrase when the argument is serious or has significant consequences, not for trivial disagreements.

⚡Gold Rule

Seriousness

The phrase implies that the argument is not casual but involves deep disagreement or conflict.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines 'ernsthaft' (seriously) and 'streiten' (to argue), reflecting the intensity of the disagreement.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is more common in situations where the argument has significant stakes or emotional weight.

Word Breakdown

sich
reflexive pronoun
prefix
+
ernsthaft
seriously
adverb
+
streiten
to argue
verb
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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