01
das Hindernis
obstacle
An object or condition that blocks the way or makes progress more difficult.
example
Ein umgestürzter Baum war ein großes Hindernis auf der Straße.
A fallen tree was a major obstacle on the road.
das Hindernis
obstacle
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Das Hindernis' (obstacle) is derived from the verb 'hindern' (to hinder/prevent), which means 'aufhalten' (to stop/hold up) or 'erschweren' (to make more difficult). The suffix '-nis' turns it into a noun that describes the thing or circumstance that hinders someone.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich von kleinen Problemen nicht an deinem Plan hindern.
Don't let small problems stop you from following your plan.
Typical verbs
'Hindernis' (obstacle) is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'überwinden' (overcome), 'beseitigen' (remove), or 'aus dem Weg räumen' (clear out of the way) an obstacle. Something can also 'darstellen' (represent/constitute) or 'bilden' (form) an obstacle.
EXAMPLE
Gemeinsam haben wir alle Hindernisse überwunden.
Together we overcame all the obstacles.
Sentence structure with a preposition
To express for whom or for what something is an obstacle, the preposition 'für' is used with the accusative. The structure is: 'ein Hindernis für jemanden/etwas sein' (to be an obstacle for someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Die Sprache war am Anfang ein Hindernis für sie.
At first, the language was an obstacle for her.
Compare with
Hindernis vs Problem
problem
'das Problem' and 'das Hindernis' can both refer to a difficulty. 'das Problem' is more general: it can be an open question, a difficult situation, or something that has to be solved. 'das Hindernis' is especially appropriate when something blocks the path to a goal or makes progress difficult. You could say: an obstacle is often a specific kind of problem. When it is about finding a solution, 'Problem' sounds natural. When it is about a goal and something in the way, 'Hindernis' is more precise.
Hindernis
Die hohen Kosten sind ein Hindernis für den Umzug.
The high costs are an obstacle to moving.
Problem
Vor der Reise gibt es noch ein Problem mit den Tickets.
Before the trip, there is still a problem with the tickets.
In real life
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