Ärger
/ˈʔɛɐ̯ɡɐ/
The English word 'trouble' translates to the German noun Ärger.
Ärger is used to describe annoyance, conflict or the unpleasant consequences of an action. While English speakers might use 'trouble' to describe a person or a situation, Ärger specifically focuses on the feeling of being annoyed or facing social friction and reprimand. For example, you can use the phrase Ärger bekommen to say you are getting into trouble or facing consequences. If you want to describe a chaotic or confused situation, you can use Wirrwarr.
Meaning: difficulty (noun)
Which one should you use?
In English, 'trouble' can be quite broad, but Ärger is more specific to social unpleasantness. If you are discussing logical or situational difficulties, you should use Problem or Probleme instead. For formal contexts involving general issues or challenges, Schwierigkeiten is the preferred term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria, the word Zores can be used to mean 'trouble'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used to mean 'trouble' or 'annoyance', Ärger is an uncountable noun and does not have a plural form.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʔɛɐ̯ɡɐ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using Probleme when you actually mean social friction or being reprimanded. Probleme refers to logical or situational difficulties, whereas Ärger implies the unpleasantness of conflict or consequences.
Did you know?
- A person who is constantly causing trouble might be called a Störenfried, which combines the words for 'disturb' and 'peace'.
- The term Ärger is a back-formation from the verb ärgern, meaning the noun was created after the action it describes already existed in the language.
- In German, you do not just 'get into' trouble, you bekommen it, which literally means you 'receive' the trouble as if it were a physical gift.
Examples in context
- Das gibt nur Ärger.That's just asking for trouble.This sentence shows how an action can lead to trouble.Tatoeba #10047565 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10047332 by DJ_Saidez
- Ich will keinen Ärger.I don't want any trouble.This sentence expresses the desire to avoid trouble.Tatoeba #8300484 by GuidoW, translation #679854 by ulyssemc1
- Such nicht nach Ärger.Don't look for trouble.This sentence is a warning against looking for trouble.Tatoeba #11977984 by Naina, translation #11977813 by shekitten
- Ich habe ein Problem mit meinem Computer.I have a problem with my computer.
- Das Projekt hat einige Schwierigkeiten bereitet.The project has posed some difficulties.
- Ich habe Ärger mit meinem Nachbarn.I have trouble with my neighbor.
- Heute Morgen herrschte ein Wirrwarr im Büro.There was chaos in the office this morning.
- Ich hab Zores mit meiner Arbeit.I've got trouble with my work.
- I ha en Problem mit minere Beschtellig.I have a problem with my order.
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are discussing a mistake at work.
- FelixIch habe mit meinem Chef Ärger.I am in trouble with my boss.
- HannahWarum hast du Ärger, Felix?Why are you in trouble, Felix?
- FelixIch habe den Bericht vergessen.I forgot the report.
- HannahDas ist wirklich großer Ärger.That really is big trouble.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ärger, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ärger, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
