Dilemma
/ˌdiˈlɛma/neuter
The English phrase 'conundrum' can be translated into German using Dilemma. Wiktionary also lists Qual der Wahl and Entscheidungsfrage.
Meaning: difficult choice or decision (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dilemma | /ˌdiˈlɛma/ | neuter |
| Qual der Wahl | feminine | |
| Entscheidungsfrage | feminine |
You can use the idiom in der Zwickmühle sein to express that someone is in a predicament.
Which one should you use?
While Dilemma implies a difficult problem or a choice between two bad options, Qual der Wahl is often used more colloquially to describe the 'struggle' of having too many good options.
How does it change in a sentence?
Dilemma is a neuter noun and uses the article das. The phrase Qual der Wahl is feminine and uses the definite article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌdiˈlɛma/
Did you know?
- The idiom in der Zwickmühle sein literally describes being inside a 'pinch-mill'. It evokes the image of a grain of wheat being crushed between two millstones to represent a predicament.
- The word Qual is derived from the Proto-Germanic *kwēlō, which relates to the idea of killing or destroying.
- The word Qual in the phrase Qual der Wahl does not mean 'quality', but instead means 'agony' or 'torment'.
Examples in context
- Er steht vor einem schwerwiegenden Dilemma und muss eine schwierige Entscheidung treffen.He is facing a serious conundrum and has to make a difficult decision.
- Das ist ein echtes Dilemma für mich.That is a real dilemma for me.
- Dieses Dilemma lässt sich schwer lösen.This dilemma is hard to solve.
Example conversation
Hannah and Maximilian are deciding which job offer to take.
- HannahWelchen Job nimmst du, Maximilian?Which job are you taking, Maximilian?
- MaximilianIch weiß nicht, es ist ein Dilemma.I don't know, it's a conundrum.
- HannahBeide Angebote klingen wirklich gut.Both offers sound really good.
- MaximilianGenau, deshalb ist die Entscheidung so schwer.Exactly, that's why the decision is so hard.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conundrum” translations and entries Dilemma, Qual der Wahl, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Dilemma, Qual, Qual der Wahl, Wahl, der, CC BY-SA 4.0.
