widersprichst

Widersprichst is the second-person singular present tense form of the German verb widersprechen, meaning “you contradict” or “you oppose.” The verb denotes disagreeing with or denying a statement, claim, or position. It is commonly used in both everyday speech and formal contexts.

Etymology and form: Widersprechen combines the prefix wider- (against) with sprechen (to speak). The prefix is inseparable here, and the verb forms irregularly in the present tense, as in ich widerspreche, du widersprichst, er widerspricht, wir widersprechen, ihr widersprecht, sie widersprechen. The past participle is widersprochen. The related noun is Widerspruch, meaning “contradiction” or “objection.”

Usage: Widersprechen typically takes a dative object when referring to a person or entity (“jemandem widersprechen”) and can also follow with a dative reference to a claim or statement (“einer Behauptung widersprechen”). Examples: Du widersprichst mir. Der Bericht widerspricht der Studie. Sie widerspricht der Behauptung des Zeugen.

Nuances: The verb conveys a direct act of disagreement or denial, rather than merely offering a different view. It is often used to describe fault-finding or disputing the accuracy of information, especially in arguments, debates, or discussions.

Related terms: Widerspruch (noun) refers to the act or result of contradicting, while the related verb bestreiten also means to dispute or deny, though with slightly different emphasis.