In German
schwer
Meaning: hard, difficult
Formal or informal? “Schwer” means heavy or difficult. For “hard” as in firm or solid (bread, a surface), German uses “hart”. Check the meaning before you choose.
Example sentences
Deutsch ist schwer.
German is difficult.
Das war eine schwere Frage.
That was a difficult question.
Das Brot ist sehr hart.
The bread is very hard.
Grammar note
Before a noun: “ein schwerer Koffer” (masculine), “eine schwere Frage” (feminine), “ein schweres Problem” (neuter). “Hart” is the separate word for firm or solid, with the same endings.
Common mistake
Don't use “schwer” for firm or solid things. “Das Brot ist hart” is right, but “Das Brot ist schwer” means the bread is heavy.
Quick check
Which German word means “hard” as in difficult?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between “schwer” and “hart”?
“Schwer” is heavy or difficult, while “hart” is firm or solid.
What is the comparative of “schwer”?
“Schwerer” (heavier or more difficult).