German Phrase
Das ist eine komplizierte Sache.
Meaning
Literally, ‘That is a complicated thing.’ In everyday German it is used to describe a situation, problem, or matter that is difficult to understand or resolve.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to comment on a complex issue—whether it’s a bureaucratic process, a personal dilemma, or a technical problem. It works in both formal and informal settings, but it sounds slightly more conversational than a purely academic phrasing.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DasisteinekomplizierteSache
Das (demonstrative pronoun)
‘Das’ points to a specific thing or situation and is neuter nominative singular, matching the subject of the sentence.
ist (sein)
The verb ‘sein’ (to be) in present‑tense, 3rd person singular, links the subject to its description.
eine (indefinite article)
‘eine’ is the feminine indefinite article in the nominative case, required because ‘Sache’ is a feminine noun.
komplizierte (adjective)
‘kompliziert’ means ‘complicated’. With the preceding article ‘eine’, it takes the weak ending ‘‑e’.
Sache (noun)
‘Sache’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘thing, matter, issue’. In this context it usually refers to an abstract situation rather than a physical object.
🗨In Conversation
Das ist eine komplizierte Sache.
That's a complicated matter.
Ja, wir sollten uns mehr Zeit nehmen, um alles zu prüfen.
Yes, we should take more time to examine everything.
✕Common Mistakes
Das ist ein komplizierte Sache.
‘Sache’ is feminine, so the correct indefinite article is ‘eine’, not ‘ein’.
Das ist eine kompliziert Sache.
When an adjective follows an article, it must take the weak ending ‘‑e’.
Das ist eine komplizierte Sachen.
The sentence talks about a single matter, so the noun stays singular.
↔Alternatives
Das ist ein komplexes Problem.
That's a complex problem.
Das ist etwas Schwieriges.
That's something difficult.
Das ist eine schwierige Angelegenheit.
That's a difficult matter.
Cultural Tip
In German, ‘Sache’ can refer to both concrete objects and abstract matters. When you say ‘eine komplizierte Sache’, native speakers usually think of a situation that requires careful handling, not a physical object. The phrase is neutral in register, but in very formal writing you might prefer ‘eine komplexe Angelegenheit’ or ‘ein schwieriges Problem’. Also, Germans often appreciate concise statements, so you’ll hear this phrase used to quickly acknowledge the difficulty before moving on to a solution.