stumbling block
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stumbling block
A figurative expression for an obstacle, difficulty, or problem that hinders progress in a project or undertaking.
Die Bürokratie war der größte Stolperstein bei der Gründung des Unternehmens.
Bureaucracy was the biggest stumbling block in founding the company.
Stolperstein
A small brass memorial set into the sidewalk that commemorates the fate of people who were persecuted, deported, and murdered during the Nazi era.
Vor dem Haus, in dem die jüdische Familie einst lebte, wurde ein Stolperstein verlegt.
A Stolperstein was laid in front of the house where the Jewish family once lived.
tripping stone
A stone or uneven spot in a path that someone can actually trip over.
Achte auf die Stolpersteine auf dem alten Kopfsteinpflaster, damit du nicht fällst.
Watch out for the tripping stones on the old cobblestones so you don't fall.
'Stolperstein' is made up of the verb 'stolpern' (to stumble/trip) and the noun 'der Stein' (the stone). Literally, it is a stone that one trips over, which is the basis for the figurative meaning 'Hindernis' (obstacle).
Die unerwarteten Kosten wurden zum Stolperstein für das Bauprojekt.
The unexpected costs became a stumbling block for the construction project.
In this meaning, 'Stolperstein' refers to a specific art and memorial project in Germany and other European countries. The small memorial plaques in the ground commemorate the victims of National Socialism.
Die Schüler putzen jedes Jahr die Stolpersteine in ihrer Stadt.
The students clean the Stolpersteine in their town every year.
In the figurative meaning, 'Stolperstein' (stumbling block) is often used with verbs such as 'darstellen' (to represent/constitute), 'sein' (to be), or 'aus dem Weg räumen' (to clear out of the way). It usually describes abstract problems such as bureaucracy or financing.
Die Sprachprüfung war für ihn der letzte große Stolperstein vor dem Studium.
The language exam was the last major stumbling block for him before university.
When referring to the memorial plaques, the verb 'verlegen' (to lay/install) is often used. Stolpersteine are typically set into the sidewalk in front of the victims' last freely chosen place of residence.
Für ihre Urgroßmutter wurde gestern ein Stolperstein verlegt.
A Stolperstein was laid yesterday for her great-grandmother.
hurdle
Hürde and Stolperstein can both refer to a problem in a project. Hürde is more likely to describe a recognizable task that must be deliberately overcome, while Stolperstein refers to a specific complication that unexpectedly hinders progress. Use Hürde for the challenge and Stolperstein for the problem that arises in the process.
Ein fehlendes Dokument wurde bei der Anmeldung zum Stolperstein.
A missing document became a stumbling block during registration.
Die schwierige Prüfung ist eine wichtige Hürde auf ihrem Weg zum Abschluss.
The difficult exam is an important hurdle on her way to graduating.
