this style is more explicit, not afraid to repeat the word ("words" or "claim")

compare: "an eye for an eye (and a tooth for a tooth)"

the "words against words" situation is

1. either the result of a balanced argumentation (pro and contra seem equally valid) which can be resolved by simply testing both claims (if the claims are testable = hard science, realism, "protestantism")
2. or the result of fundamental differences (differences in personality, world view, politics, religion) which can be resolved by "separated coexistence" (separatism) or conquest (monoculture). usually one side clings to untestable claims (soft science, religion, idealism, open end, romanticism, judgement after death) so the "lets test both claims" solution is not possible

FWIW, hier heißt es, wie auch in #1:

https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/...

 ... hier steht Aussage gegen Aussage - it’s one person’s word against another’s ...

Principles of German Criminal Procedure - Google Books Result

https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=II96BAAAQ...

... when it is only the word of the suspect against the word of the victim (Aussage gegen Aussage).15 The in dubio principle does not as such apply at this stage.16 b) There must, in General rules under § 170.

Michael Bohlander - 2012 - ‎Law