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German Phrase

Ist das ein großes Problem?

/ɪst das aɪ̯n ˈɡʁoːsəs ˈpʁoːblem/
Meaning"Is that a big problem?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether something constitutes a big or serious problem. It can be used to gauge the severity of a situation, often in both casual and professional settings.

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When to use

Use this question when you want to confirm if an issue is significant enough to require attention, such as after describing a technical glitch, a personal dilemma, or a policy change.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IstdaseingroßesProblem?

1

sein (ist)

The verb 'sein' is irregular; in the present tense, third‑person singular is 'ist'. It functions as a copula linking subject and predicate.

2

das (demonstrative pronoun)

'das' points to something already mentioned or obvious in the context; it is neuter nominative singular.

3

ein (indefinite article)

Used before a singular neuter noun in the nominative case; it does not carry strong adjective endings.

4

großes (adjective declension)

After the indefinite article 'ein', adjectives take a weak ending '-es' for neuter nominative singular.

5

Problem (noun gender)

'Problem' is a neuter noun (das Problem). In questions it stays in the nominative because it is the subject complement.

🗨In Conversation

A

Mein Computer stürzt ständig ab, wenn ich das neue Update installiere.

My computer keeps crashing whenever I install the new update.

Ist das ein großes Problem?

Is that a big problem?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ist das ein großer Problem?

    After 'ein' the adjective takes the weak ending '-es' for neuter nominative, not '-er'.

  • Ist das eine großes Problem?

    The noun 'Problem' is neuter; the article must be 'ein', not 'eine'.

  • Ist das ein großes Probleme?

    Do not pluralise the noun when the sentence is singular.

  • ist das ein großes Problem?

    The verb must be capitalised at the start of the sentence; in writing, 'Ist' not 'ist'.

↔Alternatives

  • Ist das ein ernstes Problem?

    Is that a serious problem?

  • Handelt es sich um ein bedeutendes Problem?

    Is it a significant problem?

  • Ist das ein gravierendes Problem?

    Is that a grave problem?

de

Cultural Tip

In German, the adjective 'groß' can sound vague; native speakers often prefer more precise adjectives like 'ernst', 'bedeutend' or 'gravierend' in formal contexts. Also, remember that 'Problem' is neuter, so the article and adjective endings must match (ein großes Problem).