difficulty
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difficulty
A problem, obstacle, or circumstance that makes something laborious or complicated. Often used in the plural.
Wir hatten große Schwierigkeiten, ein passendes Hotel zu finden.
We had great difficulty finding a suitable hotel.
The word is derived from the adjective 'schwierig' (difficult). The ending '-keit' forms feminine nouns from adjectives that describe a quality or state. All nouns ending in '-keit' are feminine ('die').
Die Schnelligkeit des Internets ist hier ein Problem.
The speed of the internet is a problem here.
A very common construction is 'Schwierigkeiten haben' (to have difficulties). This is often followed either by an infinitive with 'zu' or a 'bei' phrase to say what someone has a problem with.
Ich habe Schwierigkeiten, das Formular auszufüllen.
I have difficulty filling out the form.
When talking about problems, 'Schwierigkeit' (difficulty) is often used with verbs such as 'Schwierigkeiten bereiten' (to cause difficulties), 'auf Schwierigkeiten stoßen' (to encounter difficulties), or 'Schwierigkeiten überwinden' (to overcome difficulties).
Der starke Schneefall bereitete den Autofahrern große Schwierigkeiten.
The heavy snowfall caused the drivers great difficulties.
In the meaning of 'degree of complexity', 'Schwierigkeit' (difficulty) is usually singular and is often combined with words such as 'Grad' (degree), 'Stufe' (level), or 'Niveau' (level). This is typical for exams, games, or athletic exercises.
Der Schwierigkeitsgrad dieser Wanderung ist sehr hoch.
The level of difficulty of this hike is very high.
problem
'das Problem' and 'die Schwierigkeit' are closely related, because both can describe something hard or troublesome. 'Problem' often sounds more concrete: there is something that needs to be solved. 'Schwierigkeit' emphasizes more that something is laborious, complicated, or hard to accomplish. 'Schwierigkeiten' is often used in the plural when several obstacles are meant. Learners may confuse the words because many problems are also difficulties. As a guide: 'Problem' fits when you are looking for a solution; 'Schwierigkeit' fits when you want to emphasize the difficult path or the great effort involved.
Die Fahrerin hatte bei starkem Regen große Schwierigkeiten auf der Straße.
The driver had great difficulty on the road in heavy rain.
Das Problem war, dass niemand den Schlüssel gefunden hat.
The problem was that no one found the key.