bestreiten

Bestreiten is a German verb meaning to dispute or deny the truth of a statement or claim, and to contest something. It is commonly used with a direct object, for example to deny a claim: “eine Behauptung bestreiten.” It can also mean to participate in a competition or event: “eine Meisterschaft bestreiten.”

Etymology and form: The verb comes from the root streiten (to argue) with the inseparable prefix be-. It is not a separable verb. Conjugation in the present tense is: ich bestreite, du bestreitest, er bestreitet, wir bestreiten, ihr bestreitet, Sie bestreiten. In the simple past (Präteritum): ich bestritt, du bestrittest, er bestritt, wir bestritten, ihr bestrittet, Sie bestritten. The past participle is bestritten, and the auxiliary verb used in perfect tenses is haben: Ich habe bestritten.

Usage notes: Bestreiten emphasizes denying the truth of a statement or claim, rather than expressing mere doubt. It typically takes a direct object such as eine Behauptung, eine Anschuldigung oder eine Schuld. It can also express competitive participation, as in sports or competitions: “eine Meisterschaft bestreiten.” In legal or formal language, bestreiten is common; it is distinct from leugnen (to deny, sometimes with stronger connotation) and verneinen (to negate or refute).

See also: related terms include das Bestreiten (the act of denying or disputing) and bestreitend as an adjective form. Examples: “Der Zeuge bestreitet die Vorwürfe.” “Sie bestreitet, den Vertrag unterschrieben zu haben.” “Die Mannschaft bestreitet die Meisterschaft.”