In German
schwierig
Meaning: difficult
Example sentences
DiePrüfungwarschwierig.
The exam was difficult.
Deutschistnichtimmerschwierig.
German isn't always difficult.
DasisteineschwierigeFrage.
That's a difficult question.
Grammar note
“Schwierig” is the everyday word for “difficult” in the sense of complex or tricky. “Schwer” (see our existing “hard” page) overlaps for physically or mentally heavy tasks, but also means “heavy” in weight.
Common mistake
“Schwierig” and “schwer” both translate “difficult” sometimes, but “schwer” also means physically heavy — “schwierig” never does, so use it when only the difficulty sense is meant.
Quick check
Which German word means “difficult”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is “schwierig” the same as “schwer”?
They overlap for difficulty, but only “schwer” also means physically heavy.
How do you say “a difficult question”?
“Eine schwierige Frage”.