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.
difficulty
The quality of being hard or demanding; the degree of complexity or challenge.
Die Teilnehmer konnten den Grad der Schwierigkeit der Prüfung selbst wählen.
The participants could choose the level of difficulty of the exam themselves.
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
Problem and Schwierigkeit can both refer to something that requires a solution or special effort. Problem refers more to the situation requiring a solution as a whole, while Schwierigkeit refers more to the obstacle or the degree of effort involved. Use “Problem” for the situation that needs to be solved; use “Schwierigkeit” for the complicating circumstance or the demanding aspect.
Die Schwierigkeit beim Umzug ist das Tragen der schweren Möbel.
The difficulty with moving is carrying the heavy furniture.
Das Problem beim Umzug ist der fehlende Aufzug.
The problem with moving is that there is no elevator.
