Problem
/pʁoˈbleːm/neuter
The English word 'problem' is translated into German as Problem.
Problem is a common and straightforward way to express the concept of a problem in German. Depending on the context, other words may be more precise, such as Schwierigkeit to emphasize the difficulty aspect or Knackpunkt to refer to a specific sticking point or issue.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Problem is the standard translation, you might use Schwierigkeit when you want to highlight that something is difficult. If you are talking about the annoyance or trouble caused by a situation, Ärger is more appropriate. In casual conversation, the word Sache can be used as a versatile, colloquial way to refer to a matter or a problem.
How does it change in a sentence?
Problem is a neuter noun, meaning it is accompanied by the definite article das (das Problem). The plural form of Problem is Probleme.
How do you pronounce it?
/pʁoˈbleːm/
Did you know?
- In certain German dialects, particularly in the south, a problem might be described as a Gschiss, a very informal and slightly vulgar way to describe a troublesome or annoying situation. This is much more colorful than the standard Problem.
- The word Knackpunkt describes a 'sticking point' and literally translates to 'snapping point'.
- In German, the word Ärger can mean both the 'problem' itself and the 'anger' felt because of it.
Examples in context
- Es ist ein Problem.It's a problem.This sentence is useful for identifying that something is a Problem.Tatoeba #1523660 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1170375 by CK
- Er ist das Problem.The problem is him.This sentence is useful for identifying a person as the Problem.Tatoeba #8082713 by Luiaard, translation #3914346 by CH
- Er hat ein Problem.He has a problem.This sentence is useful for stating that someone has a Problem.Tatoeba #10504560 by wolfgangth, translation #8478406 by CH
- Ich habe ein Problem mit meinem AutoI have a problem with my car
- Ich habe Schwierigkeiten mit der AufgabeI am having difficulties with the task
- Ich habe Ärger mit meinem HandyI have trouble with my phone
- Der Knackpunkt bei diesem Projekt ist die ZusammenarbeitThe problem with this project is the collaboration
- Das ist leider ein MankoUnfortunately, that's a problem
- 1614 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Lukas are talking about a broken washing machine.
- SarahWir haben ein Problem mit der Waschmaschine.We have a problem with the washing machine.
- LukasIst das Problem sehr groß?Is the problem very big?
- SarahJa, sie pumpt das Wasser nicht ab.Yes, it is not draining the water.
- LukasIch helfe dir, das Problem zu lösen.I will help you solve the problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “problem” translations and entries Problem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
