breakdown / mishap
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breakdown
A technical defect in a vehicle or machine that causes it to stop working.
Wir hatten auf der Autobahn eine Panne mit dem Auto und mussten den Abschleppdienst rufen.
We had a breakdown with the car on the highway and had to call the towing service.
The useful word 'der Pannendienst' (breakdown service / roadside assistance) is derived from 'Panne' (breakdown, mishap). This is the service you call when your car breaks down.
Nach einer Stunde Wartezeit kam endlich der Pannendienst.
After an hour of waiting, the breakdown service finally arrived.
You can recognize the meaning from context: if it is about a vehicle or machine, it means a technical defect. If it is about an event, a broadcast, or a process, it means a mishap.
Unser Zug hatte eine technische Panne und blieb auf der Strecke stehen.
Our train had a technical breakdown and stopped on the tracks.
When referring to a technical defect, the most common construction is 'eine Panne haben' (to have a breakdown).
Auf dem Weg in den Urlaub hatten wir leider eine Panne.
On the way to our vacation, we unfortunately had a breakdown.
In the meaning of 'Missgeschick' (mishap), the phrases 'es gab eine Panne' (there was a mishap) or 'es ist eine Panne passiert' (a mishap occurred) are often used. The mishap is often described with adjectives like 'klein' (small) or 'peinlich' (embarrassing).
Es gab eine kleine Panne bei der Planung, aber jetzt ist alles in Ordnung.
There was a small mishap in the planning, but now everything is fine.
problem
'das Problem' and 'die Panne' can both mean that something is not working as planned. 'das Problem' is more general and may last a long time or require a solution. 'die Panne' is usually a specific breakdown, mishap, or unexpected error in a process. 'Panne' is especially typical with cars, machines, technology, or events. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Panne' often causes a problem. But when you mean the unexpected error itself, 'Panne' sounds more natural.
Wegen einer Panne im Zug kommen viele Reisende heute später an.
Because of a breakdown on the train, many travelers will arrive later today.
Er hat das Problem mit seinem Knie gelöst, um wieder trainieren zu können.
He solved the problem with his knee so he could train again.