Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| schwierig | /ˈʃviːrɪç/ /ˈʃviːrik/ |
| schwer | /ʃveːr/ |
Both schwierig and schwer are used to describe something that is hard or not easy. If you want to describe something as being complex, you can also use the synonym komplex.
Which one should you use?
While schwer and schwierig are often interchangeable when meaning 'difficult', they have different properties. schwer can also mean 'heavy' depending on the context, whereas schwierig is more specific to complexity and cannot be used to describe physical weight.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a predicate, such as in 'Das ist schwierig', the adjective schwierig is indeclinable.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃviːrɪç/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when using schwer. Remember to use it for physical weight, such as a heavy suitcase, but ensure the context clearly distinguishes between 'difficult' and 'heavy'.
Did you know?
- The word schwierig is not actually related to schwer. It originally derived from a word meaning 'full of boils' or 'covered in ulcers'.
- When describing a difficult task, Germans might use the word knifflig, which literally translates to 'full of knots'.
- The word schwer can be used to describe a serious crime or a severe illness, such as schwere Krankheit. In these cases, it means 'grave' rather than 'difficult'.
Examples in context
- War das zu schwer?Was that too difficult?This sentence is useful for asking if something was too difficult using schwer.Tatoeba #8336127 by Luiaard, translation #6118497 by CK
- Es war sehr schwer.It was really difficult.This sentence is useful for stating that something was really difficult using schwer.Tatoeba #2159092 by Manfredo, translation #5746361 by CM
- Es ist zu schwierig.It's too difficult.This sentence is useful for stating that something is too difficult using schwierig.Tatoeba #551543 by al_ex_an_der, translation #280805 by CK
- Die Prüfung war schwierigThe exam was difficult
- Es ist schwierig, in einer neuen Stadt Freunde zu findenIt is difficult to make friends in a new city
- Es war kompliziert, die technischen Probleme zu behebenIt was difficult to solve the technical issues
- Das Spiel ist wirklich schwerThe game is really difficult
- Es war schwer, den richtigen Weg zu findenIt was difficult to find the right way
- Diese Rätselaufgabe ist ganz schön kniffligThis puzzle task is quite tricky
- Es wird knifflig sein, die Präsentation in so kurzer Zeit fertigzustellenIt will be tricky to complete the presentation in such a short time
- 1096 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing a difficult math problem in a library.
- MaximilianIst die Matheaufgabe zu schwierig für dich?Is the math problem too difficult for you?
- JuliaJa, sie ist sehr schwierig.Yes, it is very difficult.
- MaximilianSoll ich dir bei der Lösung helfen?Should I help you with the solution?
- JuliaDas wäre sehr nett von dir, Maximilian.That would be very kind of you, Maximilian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “difficult” translations and entries schwierig, schwer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries schwer, schwierig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
