German Phrase
Wir haben ein technisches Problem.
Meaning
Literally ‘We have a technical problem.’ The sentence is used to inform someone—colleagues, customers, or a support team—that a technical issue is occurring and needs attention.
When to use
Use this phrase in business meetings, phone calls, or emails when a system, device, or process is malfunctioning. It works both in formal and informal contexts, but you can add ‘leider’ for extra politeness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
WirhabeneintechnischesProblem
Wir
Personal pronoun, first‑person plural, nominative case.
haben
Present‑tense form of the verb haben; used here as a main verb meaning ‘to have’.
ein
Indefinite article for neuter nouns in the nominative case.
technisches
Adjective ‘technisch’ with the weak ending –es because it follows the indefinite article ‘ein’ and modifies a neuter noun.
Problem
Neuter noun, nominative case; means ‘problem’ or ‘issue’.
🗨In Conversation
Wir haben ein technisches Problem.
We have a technical problem.
Können Sie das genauer beschreiben?
Can you describe it in more detail?
✕Common Mistakes
Wir haben ein technischer Problem.
‘Problem’ is neuter, so the adjective must take the neuter ending –es, not –er.
Haben wir ein technisches Problem.
Word order is technically possible but sounds unusual in spoken German; the subject usually precedes the verb.
Wir haben ein technisches Probleme.
‘Problem’ is singular; the plural is ‘Probleme’ and would require a different article.
↔Alternatives
Es gibt ein technisches Problem.
There is a technical problem.
Wir haben ein technisches Problem festgestellt.
We have detected a technical problem.
Leider haben wir ein technisches Problem.
Unfortunately, we have a technical problem.
Cultural Tip
German business communication values clarity and brevity. Stating the problem directly, as in ‘Wir haben ein technisches Problem,’ is perfectly acceptable. Adding ‘leider’ softens the statement and shows courtesy. When speaking to customers, follow up quickly with a solution or a timeline to maintain trust.