mess
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mess / predicament
Colloquial for an unfortunate, chaotic, or very difficult situation that is hard to get out of.
Nachdem wir den letzten Zug verpasst hatten, saßen wir ganz schön im Schlamassel.
After we missed the last train, we were in quite a mess.
'Schlamassel' (mess/predicament) is a colloquial word. In formal or written contexts, you would generally use more neutral words.
Was für ein Schlamassel! Jetzt müssen wir alles noch einmal machen.
What a mess! Now we have to do everything all over again.
This word is very often used with fixed prepositions and verbs. Typical phrases are 'im Schlamassel sitzen' (to be in a mess), 'in einem Schlamassel stecken' (to be stuck in a mess), or 'aus dem Schlamassel herauskommen' (to get out of the mess).
Wegen der gestrichenen Flüge stecken wir jetzt am Flughafen in einem ziemlichen Schlamassel.
Because of the canceled flights, we're now stuck at the airport in quite a mess.
To describe the situation as especially bad, 'Schlamassel' (mess/predicament) is often combined with adjectives like 'groß' (big), 'riesig' (huge), or 'ganz schön' (quite a).
Durch seine Lüge hat er sich in einen riesigen Schlamassel gebracht.
Because of his lie, he got himself into a huge mess.
mixed up / chaotic
Durcheinander primarily describes a disorganized state. Schlamassel is colloquial and refers to a chaotic, difficult, or unfortunate situation that is hard to get out of. Durcheinander is suitable for mere disorder; Schlamassel is a better fit when there are unpleasant consequences.
Wegen der falsch beschrifteten Kartons steckten wir beim Umzug in einem echten Schlamassel.
Because of the incorrectly labeled boxes, we were in a real mess during the move.
Nach dem Umzug standen die falsch beschrifteten Kartons völlig durcheinander.
After the move, the incorrectly labeled boxes were completely mixed up.
