hurdle
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hurdle / obstacle
In a figurative sense, a problem, difficulty, or obstacle that must be overcome in order to reach a goal.
Die bürokratischen Hürden für eine Baugenehmigung sind oft sehr hoch.
The bureaucratic hurdles for a building permit are often very high.
The figurative meaning 'Hindernis' (obstacle) or 'Problem' (problem) derives directly from the hurdle in sports. The idea is that you have to 'jump over' or 'overcome' a problem, just like an athlete clears the hurdle.
Die letzte Prüfung war die letzte große Hürde vor dem Abschluss.
The final exam was the last major hurdle before graduation.
In the figurative sense, 'Hürde' (hurdle/obstacle) is often combined with the verbs 'nehmen' (to take/clear), 'überwinden' (to overcome), or 'meistern' (to master). The verb 'darstellen' (to represent/constitute) is also common: 'Etwas stellt eine Hürde dar' (Something constitutes a hurdle).
Sie hat alle Hürden mit Bravour genommen.
She cleared all the hurdles with flying colors.
To describe the type of problem, 'Hürde' (hurdle/obstacle) is often combined with adjectives such as 'bürokratisch' (bureaucratic), 'finanziell' (financial), 'rechtlich' (legal), or 'technisch' (technical).
Viele kleine Unternehmen scheitern an den bürokratischen Hürden.
Many small businesses fail because of the bureaucratic hurdles.
problem
'das Problem' and 'die Hürde' can both describe a difficulty. 'das Problem' is neutral and general: something is unclear, difficult, or needs to be solved. 'die Hürde' is used when a difficulty stands in the way of a goal and has to be overcome. The word sounds more figurative, like an obstacle. The words can be confused because many hurdles are also problems. But if you want to emphasize that something is stopping progress, 'Hürde' fits better.
Im Kurs war die neue Software für viele Teilnehmer die größte Hürde.
In the course, the new software was the biggest hurdle for many participants.
Das Problem mit der Maschine müssen wir lösen, bevor die Arbeit weitergeht.
We have to solve the problem with the machine before the work can continue.