German Phrase
Es ist schwer, in bestimmte Kreise reinzukommen.
Meaning
The sentence means “It’s hard to get into certain circles.” It refers to the difficulty of gaining access to exclusive social, professional, or cultural groups. The word *Kreise* is used metaphorically for networks or circles of influence.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the challenges of breaking into elite clubs, professional networks, or any closed‑off community. It works in both informal conversation and more formal discussions about social mobility.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esistschwer,inbestimmteKreisereinzukommen.
sein + Adjektiv
The verb *sein* is used as a copula with the adjective *schwer* to express difficulty.
Trennbares Verb mit zu‑Infinitiv
With *zu* the separable verb *rein‑kommen* becomes the infinitive *reinzukommen* (no space between the prefix and *zu*).
Attributives Adjektiv
*bestimmte* modifies *Kreise* and must agree in case, number and gender (accusative plural).
Präpositionalobjekt
The preposition *in* governs the accusative here because it indicates movement into a place or group.
🗨In Conversation
Wie hast du es geschafft, in den Vorstand zu kommen?
How did you manage to get onto the board?
Es ist schwer, in bestimmte Kreise reinzukommen.
It’s hard to get into certain circles.
✕Common Mistakes
Es ist schwer, in bestimmte Kreise rein zu kommen.
The prefix *rein* must be attached to the infinitive with *zu*: *reinzukommen*.
Es ist schwer in bestimmte Kreise zu kommen.
A comma is required before the infinitive clause in standard written German.
Es ist schwer, in bestimmter Kreis reinzukommen.
The noun *Kreise* is plural here; the adjective must agree (bestimmte Kreise).
↔Alternatives
Es ist nicht leicht, in bestimmte Kreise hineinzukommen.
It’s not easy to get into certain circles.
Es ist schwierig, in bestimmte Kreise einzutreten.
It is difficult to join certain circles.
Man kommt nicht so leicht in bestimmte Kreise.
One doesn’t get into certain circles that easily.
Cultural Tip
In German, *schwer* and *nicht leicht* are interchangeable, but *schwer* sounds slightly more formal. The phrase *Kreise* is often used in business contexts (e.g., *politische Kreise*, *wissenschaftliche Kreise*) and can carry a subtle hint of exclusivity. When speaking with native speakers, avoid overly literal translations; a more natural way to express the same idea is *Es ist nicht leicht, dort Fuß zu fassen.*