to make more difficult
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to make difficult
To make something more difficult, more complicated, or more laborious.
Der dichte Nebel erschwerte die Suche nach dem vermissten Wanderer erheblich.
The dense fog made the search for the missing hiker considerably more difficult.
The verb is formed from the adjective 'schwer' (difficult) and the prefix 'er-'. The prefix 'er-' here means 'to make something (difficult)'. The verb is inseparable.
Der starke Wind erschwerte den Aufstieg auf den Berg.
The strong wind made the climb up the mountain more difficult.
The structure is often: [cause] erschwert [activity]. You can also add a person in the dative to say for whom it becomes more difficult: [cause] erschwert [person in the dative] [activity].
Der Regen erschwerte das Fußballspiel.
The rain made the soccer game more difficult.
'Erschweren' (to make more difficult) is often used with abstract nouns that describe an activity or a state. Typical objects are 'die Arbeit' (the work), 'die Situation' (the situation), 'die Bedingungen' (the conditions), or 'die Entscheidung' (the decision).
Die neuen Regeln erschweren die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Abteilungen.
The new rules make cooperation between the departments more difficult.
to hinder / obstruct
Both verbs say that a task or process becomes more difficult. „Erschweren“ focuses more on the task itself and the additional effort, while „behindern“ focuses on progress being impeded or slowed down. Use „erschweren“ when something requires more effort, and „behindern“ when it holds up the process.
Die vielen Formulare erschweren die Anmeldung.
The many forms make the registration process more difficult.
Die fehlende Internetverbindung behindert die Anmeldung.
The lack of an internet connection is hindering the registration process.
