Describing Problems: German Words & Phrases
10 essential German words and expressions for "Describing Problems". Each entry includes phonetic pronunciation, English translation, and example sentences. Suitable for CEFR B1 level and relevant for "explaining problems and causes".
"Describing Problems" — word table
| German | Pronunciation | English | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| das Problem | /dahs proh-BLEHM/ | problem | Wir haben ein großes Problem.We have a big problem. |
| das Missverständnis | /dahs MIS-fer-shtent-nis/ | misunderstanding | Das war nur ein Missverständnis.That was just a misunderstanding. |
| die Schwierigkeit | /dee SHVEE-rikh-kyte/ | difficulty | Ich habe Schwierigkeiten mit der Grammatik.I made a mistake. |
| auftreten | /OWF-tray-ten/ | to arise | Es ist ein Problem aufgetreten.The heating is broken. |
| die Ursache | /dee OOR-zah-kheh/ | cause | Was ist die Ursache dafür?What is the reason for this? |
| die Folge | /dee FOL-geh/ | consequence | Das hat schlimme Folgen.We need to find a solution. |
| lösen | /LUE-zen/ | to solve | Wir müssen das Problem lösen.That causes difficulties. |
| die Lösung | /dee LUE-zoong/ | solution | Ich habe eine gute Lösung.I lost my key. |
| betroffen sein | /beh-TROF-fen zyne/ | to be affected | Viele Menschen sind davon betroffen.He forgot his wallet. |
| verursachen | /fer-OOR-zah-khen/ | to cause | Der Stau verursacht Verspätung.It doesn't work. |
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Listen to the audio pronunciation of each word three times, then repeat the example aloud. 8–10 words per session is enough — overloading reduces retention.
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Frequently asked questions
Which German words relate to "Describing Problems"?
Most useful: das Problem, das Missverständnis, die Schwierigkeit and more — 10 in total, each with pronunciation below.
How do I memorise these words?
Listen to the audio, repeat the examples and do the linked lesson exercises — all free.