die Klippe
cliff
A steep, high rock that rises out of the sea or along a coast.
EXAMPLE
Wir standen oben auf der Klippe und blickten auf das tosende Meer.
We stood at the top of the cliff and looked out at the roaring sea.
die Klippe
cliff
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Meanings
die Klippe
obstacle
In a figurative sense, a difficult situation, obstacle, or danger that must be overcome.
EXAMPLE
Mit der mündlichen Prüfung hatte er die letzte Klippe des Studiums umschifft.
With the oral exam, he had navigated around the last obstacle of his studies.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about geography. When exams, negotiations, or projects are being discussed, 'Klippe' (cliff/obstacle) is a metaphor for a difficulty.
EXAMPLE
Die Gehaltsverhandlung war die letzte große Klippe vor der Vertragsunterzeichnung.
The salary negotiation was the last major obstacle before the contract was signed.
Typical collocations
In the literal meaning, 'Klippe' (cliff) is often described with adjectives such as 'steil' (steep), 'hoch' (high), or 'schroff' (rugged). Typical verbs are 'stehen' (to stand), 'blicken' (to look), or 'klettern' (to climb).
EXAMPLE
Vorsichtig trat er an den Rand der steilen Klippe.
Carefully, he stepped to the edge of the steep cliff.
Figurative use
In the figurative sense, 'Klippe' (obstacle) is often used with the verb 'umschiffen' (to navigate around). 'Eine Klippe umschiffen' means to skillfully avoid or master a difficulty.
EXAMPLE
Dank guter Vorbereitung konnte er die schwierigsten Fragen im Interview umschiffen.
Thanks to good preparation, he was able to navigate around the most difficult questions in the interview.
Compare with
Klippe vs Hürde
hurdle
Hürde and Klippe can both refer to a difficult situation or an obstacle. Hürde is more likely to describe a task that you actively overcome, while Klippe emphasizes a danger or difficult point that you should avoid if possible. Choose Hürde for the challenge and Klippe for the danger to be avoided.
Klippe
Die unklaren Regeln sind eine Klippe, die wir bei der Planung möglichst umschiffen müssen.
The unclear rules are a hazard we need to avoid as much as possible when planning.
Hürde
Die zusätzliche Prüfung ist eine Hürde, die wir mit guter Vorbereitung überwinden können.
The additional exam is a hurdle that we can overcome with good preparation.
In real life
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