der  Dissens

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/dɪˈsɛns/

🤔 What does "der Dissens" mean?

Der Dissens describes a disagreement, dissent, or a difference of opinion between two or more parties. It often signifies a lack of agreement on a specific issue or matter.

The word is frequently used in more formal contexts, such as:

• 🏛️ In the legal field (e.g., Dissens between contracting parties regarding the interpretation of a clause)
• ⚖️ In politics (e.g., Dissens within a party or between the government and the opposition)
• 🎓 In academic or scientific discussions (e.g., Dissens about a theory or method)

It's important to note that Dissens primarily refers to the difference of opinion itself, not necessarily an open argument or conflict, although it can lead to one. It is a masculine noun.

⚠️ The plural "die Dissense" is very rare and hardly ever used. Usually, "Dissens" is used in the singular, even when referring to multiple disagreements, or it is paraphrased (e.g., "Es gab mehrere Punkte des Dissenses" - There were several points of disagreement).

🧐 Grammar of "Dissens" in Detail

The noun "Dissens" is masculine. Here is the declension in the singular:

As mentioned before, the plural ("die Dissense") is very uncommon.

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Dissens zwischen den beiden Forschern bezüglich der Methodik war offensichtlich.
   (The disagreement between the two researchers regarding the methodology was obvious.)
2. Trotz langer Verhandlungen konnte der Dissens nicht beigelegt werden.
   (Despite long negotiations, the disagreement could not be settled.)
3. Die Abstimmung offenbarte einen tiefen Dissens innerhalb der Fraktion.
   (The vote revealed a deep dissent within the parliamentary group.)
4. Grundlage des Streits war ein Dissens über die Vertragsbedingungen.
   (The basis of the dispute was a disagreement about the contract terms.)

🗣️ How to use "Dissens"?

"Der Dissens" belongs more to elevated or formal language. You'll often find it in texts related to law, politics, science, and philosophy.

Typical uses:

• Dissens über etwas (Acc.) haben/bestehen: (To have/There is disagreement about something) - Es bestand Dissens über die weitere Vorgehensweise. (There was disagreement about the further procedure.)
• Zum Dissens kommen: (To reach a point of disagreement) - In der Debatte kam es schnell zum Dissens. (Disagreement quickly arose in the debate.)
• Einen Dissens beilegen/überwinden: (To settle/overcome a disagreement) - Die Parteien versuchten, den Dissens beizulegen. (The parties tried to settle the disagreement.)
• Im Dissens sein: (To be in disagreement) - Die Experten sind sich im Dissens über die Ursachen. (The experts are in disagreement about the causes.)

Distinction from similar words:

• Meinungsverschiedenheit: This is the more general and common term for a disagreement. "Dissens" sounds more formal and often more fundamental.
• Konflikt: A 'Konflikt' often implies a stronger confrontation or active dispute, whereas 'Dissens' primarily denotes the differing opinion.
• Streit: Similar to 'Konflikt', but often more emotional and less objective than 'Dissens'.
• Kontroverse: Refers to a longer-lasting public debate on a controversial topic, often involving many participants. 'Dissens' can be part of a 'Kontroverse'.

💡 Mnemonics for "der Dissens"

Article mnemonic: Imagine 'der' Richter (the judge, masculine) identifying a Dissens. Or think: 'Der' argument often arises from 'dem' (dative of 'der') Dissens.

Meaning mnemonic: The word sounds like "dis-sense". When two people argue whether "this sense" or "that sense" is correct, they have a Dissens (disagreement). Or think of Latin: dis- (apart, against) and sentire (to feel, to think) -> thinking apart = disagreement.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but misleading words:

• Dissonanz: Sounds similar, but means dissonance (in music) or discord/disharmony in a figurative sense, not primarily disagreement of opinion.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum streiten sich zwei Nullen nie?
Weil zwischen ihnen kein nennenswerter Dissens besteht! 😄

(Why do two zeros never argue?
Because there's no significant disagreement (Dissens) between them! - It's a pun, 'nennenswert' means significant/noteworthy, but sounds a bit like 'Nenn-wert' = face value).

📜 Poem about Dissens

Wo Meinungen sich kreuzen, klar und kühl,
entsteht oft ein gespanntes Gefühl.
Der Dissens zeigt, man denkt nicht gleich,
im Kopf herrscht ein verschiedenes Reich.
Doch ist er auch ein Quell, ganz unbestritten,
aus dem neue Ideen oft geglitten.
Denn ohne Reibung, ohne Streit,
gäb's Stillstand nur für alle Zeit.

(Where opinions cross, clear and cool,
often a tense feeling takes rule.
Der Dissens shows, thoughts aren't the same,
in the mind reigns a different domain.
But it's also a source, quite undisputed,
from which new ideas often have glided.
For without friction, without strife,
there'd only be standstill for all life.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin kein Streit, doch oft sein Grund,
tu' Meinungsunterschiede kund.
Im Vertrag, im Rat, da kennst du mich,
bin oft formell und sachlich.
Bin maskulin, mein Plural rar,
bring manchmal Trennung sogar.

Was bin ich? Lösung: Der Dissens

(I'm not a quarrel, but often its cause,
I announce different opinions' laws.
In contracts, in councils, there you know me,
I'm often formal and factual, you see.
I'm masculine, my plural is rare,
Sometimes I even bring separation to bear.

What am I?
Solution: Der Dissens)

🌐 Other Information

Word Origin: The word "Dissens" comes from the Latin verb dissentire, meaning "to think apart", "to disagree" or "to be of a different opinion". It is composed of dis- (apart, against) and sentire (to feel, to think, to perceive).

Stylistic Level: As mentioned, "Dissens" belongs to elevated or formal language and is less commonly used in everyday conversation than "Meinungsverschiedenheit" (disagreement) or "Uneinigkeit" (disunity).