problematisch
problematic
Causing difficulties or problems; complicated and not easy to solve.
EXAMPLE
Die finanzielle Situation des Unternehmens ist zunehmend problematisch.
The company's financial situation is becoming increasingly problematic.
problematisch
problematic
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Meanings
problematisch
problematic
Questionable or concerning from a moral, ethical, or social point of view.
EXAMPLE
Seine unüberlegten Äußerungen wurden als höchst problematisch empfunden.
His thoughtless remarks were perceived as highly problematic.
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'problematisch' (problematic) is derived directly from 'das Problem' (problem). If a thing or situation is problematic, it means that it represents a problem or is associated with difficulties.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Software ist in der Anwendung noch etwas problematisch.
The new software is still somewhat problematic to use.
Sentence structure and usage
'Problematisch' (problematic) is often used in constructions with verbs of evaluation. Typical patterns are 'etwas als problematisch ansehen' (to regard something as problematic), 'etwas als problematisch empfinden' (to perceive something as problematic), or 'etwas für problematisch halten' (to consider something problematic).
EXAMPLE
Ich halte sein Verhalten in dieser Angelegenheit für problematisch.
I consider his behavior in this matter problematic.
Context clue
Whether a technical difficulty (meaning 1) or a moral concern (meaning 2) is meant is shown by the context. With logistics or technology, the first meaning is usually meant; with opinions and behavior, often the second.
EXAMPLE
Die Wasserversorgung in der Region ist problematisch.
The water supply in the region is problematic.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'morally questionable,' 'problematisch' (problematic) is often combined with things that express opinions or attitudes. Typical collocations are 'problematische Ansichten' (problematic views), 'problematische Aussagen' (problematic statements), or 'problematisches Verhalten' (problematic behavior).
EXAMPLE
Solche pauschalen Urteile sind immer problematisch.
Such sweeping judgments are always problematic.
Compare with
problematisch vs schwierig
difficult
A task or situation can be both schwierig and problematisch. Schwierig focuses on the fact that dealing with it requires a great deal of effort or skill; problematisch emphasizes that it causes problems or may have negative consequences. Depending on the perspective, either word may therefore be appropriate.
problematisch
Die Reparatur ist problematisch, weil dabei ein weiterer Schaden entstehen kann.
The repair is problematic because it could cause further damage.
schwierig
Die Reparatur ist schwierig, weil dafür viel Fachwissen nötig ist.
The repair is difficult because it requires a great deal of specialized knowledge.
In real life
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