Signification
To face problems or obstacles unexpectedly.
Contexte culturel
Germans value 'Direktheit' (directness). Reporting that you 'stießen auf Schwierigkeiten' is seen as professional transparency rather than failure. It allows for early intervention. In Austria, this phrase might be used to politely decline a request or explain why a process is taking a long time, often with a hint of 'Schicksal' (fate). In Switzerland, the phrase is used similarly in High German contexts, but in Swiss German (Schwiizertüütsch), more local expressions like 'Chnorz' (a struggle) might be used informally. In German universities, identifying where a theory 'auf Schwierigkeiten stößt' is a core part of critical analysis and 'Wissenschaftlichkeit' (scientific rigor).
Use it in Job Interviews
When asked about your weaknesses, describe a time you 'stieß auf Schwierigkeiten' and how you overcame them. It sounds proactive.
Check your Preposition
Never say 'in Schwierigkeiten stoßen'. It's always 'auf'. 'In' is used with 'geraten' (in Schwierigkeiten geraten).
Signification
To face problems or obstacles unexpectedly.
Use it in Job Interviews
When asked about your weaknesses, describe a time you 'stieß auf Schwierigkeiten' and how you overcame them. It sounds proactive.
Check your Preposition
Never say 'in Schwierigkeiten stoßen'. It's always 'auf'. 'In' is used with 'geraten' (in Schwierigkeiten geraten).
Plural is safer
Even if there is only one problem, using the plural 'Schwierigkeiten' sounds more natural and less 'whiny' in German.
The 'But' Rule
In German business, if you say you encountered difficulties, always follow up with a 'aber' (but) and a solution or a plan.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct preposition and article for the phrase.
Wir sind bei der Arbeit ______ ______ Schwierigkeiten gestoßen.
The phrase is 'auf Schwierigkeiten stoßen'. Since 'Schwierigkeiten' is plural and indefinite here, no article is needed, but the preposition must be 'auf'.
Which sentence uses the correct auxiliary verb in the perfect tense?
Choose the correct sentence:
In the sense of 'encountering', 'stoßen' always uses 'sein' (bin/bist/ist) in the perfect tense.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
Chef: 'Warum ist der Bericht noch nicht fertig?' Mitarbeiter: 'Ich ______ leider auf unerwartete Schwierigkeiten ______.'
The perfect tense 'bin ... gestoßen' is the most natural way to explain a completed (or ongoing) encounter with a problem in a professional setting.
Match the sentence to the most appropriate context.
Sentence: 'Das neue Gesetz stieß auf erhebliche Schwierigkeiten.'
The phrase 'auf Schwierigkeiten stoßen' is very common in formal reporting, especially regarding laws or reforms.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Stoßen vs. Geraten
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWir sind bei der Arbeit ______ ______ Schwierigkeiten gestoßen.
The phrase is 'auf Schwierigkeiten stoßen'. Since 'Schwierigkeiten' is plural and indefinite here, no article is needed, but the preposition must be 'auf'.
Choose the correct sentence:
In the sense of 'encountering', 'stoßen' always uses 'sein' (bin/bist/ist) in the perfect tense.
Chef: 'Warum ist der Bericht noch nicht fertig?' Mitarbeiter: 'Ich ______ leider auf unerwartete Schwierigkeiten ______.'
The perfect tense 'bin ... gestoßen' is the most natural way to explain a completed (or ongoing) encounter with a problem in a professional setting.
Sentence: 'Das neue Gesetz stieß auf erhebliche Schwierigkeiten.'
The phrase 'auf Schwierigkeiten stoßen' is very common in formal reporting, especially regarding laws or reforms.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 'auf Probleme stoßen' is very common and slightly less formal, but perfectly fine in most situations.
For this meaning (encountering), it is always 'ist gestoßen'. 'Hat gestoßen' is used for 'pushed' (e.g., 'Er hat mich gestoßen').
It describes a negative event (a problem), but using the phrase itself is seen as positive/professional because it is objective.
No, you don't 'stoßen auf Schwierigkeiten' with a person. You 'haben Probleme mit jemandem'.
'Treffen' is for meeting people or hitting a target. 'Stoßen auf' is for discovering or encountering things/problems.
No, you must include the preposition 'auf'.
Not really. In slang, people would say 'Ich hab's verkackt' or 'Es gab Stress'.
You can say 'Ich bin gegen eine Wand gestoßen', but 'auf Schwierigkeiten stoßen' is the standard for general obstacles.
It's rare. Usually, we use 'mit Schwierigkeiten konfrontiert werden' for a passive meaning.
No, it only describes the moment of discovery. You need another verb like 'lösen' to say it's fixed.
Extremely common. Look for it in business and politics sections.
Yes, 'auf Hürden stoßen' is a very common and slightly more 'sporty' metaphor.
Expressions liées
in Schwierigkeiten geraten
similarTo get into trouble.
Probleme bewältigen
builds onTo overcome/manage problems.
auf Widerstand stoßen
specialized formTo meet with resistance.
vor {einem|n} Rätsel stehen
similarTo be baffled/faced with a mystery.
glatt laufen
contrastTo go smoothly.
