verb
to argue, to quarrel
A2
Streiten: means 'to argue' or 'to quarrel'. Can be reflexive (sich mit jemandem streiten = argue with someone) or non‑reflexive (über etwas streiten = argue about something). Irregular strong verb (präteritum stritt, part. II gestritten), uses haben. Stem change ei→i in present (du/er). Passive often impersonal (es wird gestritten).
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Sie stritten sich über Kleinigkeiten.
They argued over small things.
Wir streiten oft über Kleinigkeiten.
We often argue about little things.
Die Brüder stritten sich den ganzen Nachmittag.
The brothers quarrelled all afternoon.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture two cartoon characters pulling on opposite ends of a rope while shouting (they are 'streiten').
Sounds like 'street-iten' — imagine two people arguing loudly on the street.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
streiten can be used transitively or reflexively (sich streiten mit/über). Meaning changes slightly depending on construction: 'jemand mit jemandem streiten' vs. 'sich mit jemandem streiten'. Note: Personal passive forms (e.g. 'ich werde gestritten') are not grammatical for this verb; use the impersonal passive if necessary (e.g. 'Es wird gestritten'). | Personal passive forms are not grammatical; use impersonal passive (e.g., 'Es wird gestritten').