How to Say “Hard” in German

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hart
/hart/
In German, the English phrase 'hard' can be translated in several ways depending on the context. If you are referring to physical texture or harshness, use hart. Wiktionary also lists schwierig and schwer.
Meaning: requiring a lot of effort to do or understand (adj)

Ways to say it

“hard” in German
German IPA
hart /hart/
schwierig /ˈʃviːrɪç/
/ˈʃviːrik/
schwer /ʃveːr/

The word hart is used to describe physical hardness or texture, such as a hard surface and can also be used figuratively to describe a person's character or a punishment as being 'hard' or 'harsh'.

Which one should you use?

German uses different words for 'hard' depending on whether the meaning is physical or abstract. Use hart for physical hardness or texture, such as a hard-boiled egg or for harshness. Use schwer to mean 'hard' in the sense of a difficult task, or to mean 'heavy' in terms of weight. Use schwierig specifically for tasks or situations that are complex or difficult to solve.

How do you pronounce it?

/hart/

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid using hart to mean a difficult task. English speakers often make this mistake. Use schwer or schwierig instead, as hart refers to physical hardness or harshness.

Did you know?

  • The word schwierig comes from a root meaning 'full of boils' or 'ulcers'. It originally described the physical pain of a skin condition before it became a way to describe a 'hard' or difficult task.
  • While schwierig means 'difficult', it is frequently used in German to politely express disagreement or hesitation, similar to saying 'That's problematic' in English.
  • The word schwer is also used to describe someone who is 'hard' of hearing, as in the phrase schwerhörig.

Examples in context

  • Es ist zu hart.
    It's too hard.
    This sentence demonstrates the use of hart to describe something being too hard.
    Tatoeba #2533018 by brauchinet, translation #2249324 by CK
  • Ist es so hart?
    Is it that hard?
    This sentence shows a question asking if something is that hard using hart.
    Tatoeba #3896209 by pne, translation #2649016 by CK
  • Das Ei ist hart.
    The egg is hard.
    This sentence uses hart to describe the physical texture of an egg.
    Tatoeba #603813 by BraveSentry, translation #4993052 by wzhd
  • Das Mathematikproblem ist wirklich schwierig
    The math problem is really hard
  • Der Marathonlauf ist eine herausfordernde Aufgabe
    The marathon race is a challenging task
  • Der Job erfordert viel Fachwissen und ist sehr anspruchsvoll
    The job requires a lot of expertise and is very demanding
  • Die Prüfung war wirklich schwer
    The exam was really hard
  • Das Rätsel war ziemlich knifflig
    The puzzle was quite tricky
  • Der Sportwettkampf war hammerhart
    The sports competition was really hard
  • Der Felsbrocken ist hart.
    The boulder is hard.
  • Es ist schwer zu sagen.
    It's hard to say.
  • Das Matheproblem ist knifflig.
    The math problem is tricky.
  • Das Experiment war hammerhart.
    The experiment was really tough.
  • 1218 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Julia and Felix are studying for a difficult exam together.

  1. Julia

    Dieses Kapitel ist wirklich sehr hart.
    This chapter is really very hard.
  2. Felix

    Ich finde es auch zu hart.
    I think it is too hard too.
  3. Julia

    Sollen wir einen Lehrer fragen?
    Should we ask a teacher?
  4. Felix

    Ja, das ist eine gute Idee.
    Yes, that is a good idea.

Sources

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Johnnie Chase
Johnnie ChaseHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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