adjectiveadverb

schwierig

difficult

Etwas, das nicht leicht zu tun oder zu verstehen ist.

Definition & meaning

schwierig means difficult or hard to do, understand, or deal with. Depending on context, it can also mean challenging, complicated, or tricky. When describing a situation or person, it may mean problematic or hard to manage.

Grammar & Word origin

schwierig is an adjective. It can appear before a noun, after a linking verb, or with an adverb. Its comparative form is schwieriger , and its superlative is am schwierigsten .

The adjective is formed from schwer , meaning “heavy” or “difficult,” with the suffix -ig .

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms include:

schwer — a broad synonym; it can also mean “heavy.”
kompliziert — emphasizes that something has many parts or is hard to understand.
anspruchsvoll — emphasizes that something demands considerable skill or effort; it can have a positive tone.
knifflig — usually describes a tricky problem or task that calls for careful thought.
problematisch — emphasizes that something causes problems or is troublesome.

Antonyms include:

leicht — “easy”; it can also mean “light” in weight.
einfach — “simple” or “easy,” often suggesting that something is uncomplicated.
unkompliziert — “straightforward” or “not complicated.”