German for Problem-Solving: Describe an Issue and Propose a Solution
Learn to state a problem clearly and suggest a solution in German using phrases like 'Das Problem ist...' and 'Eine Lösung wäre...'. Build confidence for discussions and meetings.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When you need to talk about a problem and suggest a fix in German, you need more than just vocabulary—you need the right sentence patterns. This lesson teaches you how to introduce a problem, describe its impact, and propose a solution using natural, intermediate-level German. You'll practice phrases for everyday conversations, such as 'Das Problem ist der Verkehr' (The problem is traffic) and 'Eine Lösung wäre, mehr Busse einzusetzen' (One solution would be to use more buses). We'll focus on the structure 'Das Problem ist...' and 'Eine Lösung wäre...', which are common in both formal and informal settings. By the end, you'll be able to participate in discussions about issues and offer constructive ideas.
By the end, you can…
- describe a problem in German using 'Das Problem ist...' and related phrases.
- propose a solution using 'Eine Lösung wäre...' and 'Wir könnten...'.
- ask for and give opinions on solutions in a conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Das Problem ist der Verkehr.
The problem is traffic.
dahs proh-BLEHM ist dair fair-KEHR
Use this to state a problem directly. 'Der Verkehr' is masculine, so 'der' is correct. In Austria and Switzerland, 'der Verkehr' is also standard.
Eine Lösung wäre, mehr Busse einzusetzen.
One solution would be to use more buses.
EYE-nuh LUH-zoong VEH-ruh, mair BOO-suh EYE-nuh-tsu-zen
This structure uses the subjunctive 'wäre' (would be) to suggest a solution politely. 'Einsetzen' means to deploy or use. Common in discussions.
Was hältst du davon?
What do you think of that?
vahs HELTST doo dah-FON
Informal way to ask for someone's opinion. Use 'Was halten Sie davon?' in formal contexts.
Wir könnten auch die Preise senken.
We could also lower the prices.
veer KÖN-ten oukh dee PRY-zuh ZEN-ken
'Könnten' is the subjunctive of 'können' (could), making the suggestion tentative. 'Senken' means to lower. Useful in business contexts.
Das ist eine gute Idee, aber...
That's a good idea, but...
dahs ist EYE-nuh GOO-tuh ee-DAY, AH-ber
Use this to acknowledge a suggestion before offering a counterpoint. Softens disagreement.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
The core pattern for proposing a solution is 'Eine Lösung wäre, ...' followed by an infinitive clause. For example: 'Eine Lösung wäre, mehr Fahrradwege zu bauen.' (One solution would be to build more bike paths.) The verb 'wäre' is the subjunctive II of 'sein' (to be), which makes the suggestion sound hypothetical and polite. Alternatively, you can use 'Wir könnten...' (We could...) + infinitive: 'Wir könnten mehr Fahrradwege bauen.' Both are common. Note that the infinitive clause with 'zu' comes after the comma, and the verb goes to the end: '..., mehr Busse einzusetzen.'
When to use it
Use these patterns in meetings, community discussions, or casual conversations when you want to address a problem and suggest a fix. 'Das Problem ist...' is direct and can be used in both formal and informal settings. 'Eine Lösung wäre...' is slightly more formal and polite, suitable for work or official contexts. In informal chats, 'Wir könnten...' is very natural. In very formal written reports, you might prefer a more nominal style such as 'Ein Problem stellt sich wie folgt dar...' (A problem presents itself as follows...) or 'Es besteht das Problem, dass...' (There is the problem that...), but that's more advanced. For intermediate learners, the patterns taught here are perfectly acceptable.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Das Problem ist der Verkehr in der Innenstadt. Es dauert ewig, bis man einen Parkplatz findet.
The problem is traffic in the city center. It takes forever to find a parking spot.dahs proh-BLEHM ist dair fair-KEHR in dair IN-nen-shtat. es DOW-ert EH-vikh, bis man EYE-nen PARK-plats fin-detJa, das stimmt. Eine Lösung wäre, mehr Park-and-Ride-Plätze anzubieten.
Yes, that's true. One solution would be to offer more park-and-ride spaces.yah, dahs shtimt. EYE-nuh LUH-zoong VEH-ruh, mair PARK-und-RIDE-PLET-suh AHN-tsu-bee-tenDas ist eine gute Idee. Aber wir könnten auch die Busse häufiger fahren lassen.
That's a good idea. But we could also make the buses run more frequently.dahs ist EYE-nuh GOO-tuh ee-DAY. AH-ber veer KÖN-ten oukh dee BOO-suh HOY-fih-ger FAH-ren LAH-senStimmt, das würde helfen. Was hältst du von einer City-Maut?
Right, that would help. What do you think of a congestion charge?shtimt, dahs VOOR-duh HEL-fen. vahs HELTST doo fon EYE-ner SIT-ee-MOUTA little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, directness in stating problems is generally appreciated, but when proposing solutions, using the subjunctive 'wäre' or 'könnte' shows politeness and openness to discussion. In formal meetings, especially in Germany, people often use 'Wir sollten...' (We should...) for stronger suggestions, while 'Wir könnten...' is softer. In Austria and Switzerland, 'wäre' is equally common, but you might hear 'es wäre gut, wenn...' (it would be good if...) more often. Avoid overly direct commands like 'Machen Sie das!' (Do that!) unless you are in a clear position of authority.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Das Problem ist' with a verb in the infinitive without 'zu', e.g., 'Das Problem ist, mehr Verkehr haben.'
Try this instead: After 'Das Problem ist', you need a noun phrase or a clause with 'dass' or 'zu' + infinitive. For example: 'Das Problem ist, dass wir mehr Verkehr haben.' (The problem is that we have more traffic.) or 'Das Problem ist der viele Verkehr.' (The problem is the heavy traffic.) If you want to use an infinitive, use 'Es ist ein Problem, mehr Verkehr zu haben.' (It is a problem to have more traffic.)
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'The problem is the high costs' in German?
Show a sample answer
Das Problem sind die hohen Kosten.
Here, 'sind' is used because 'die Kosten' is plural. 'Das Problem ist' would be wrong. Alternatively, you could say 'Das Problem ist der hohe Preis' if referring to a single price.
2Propose a solution: 'One solution would be to reduce waste.' Use 'Eine Lösung wäre...'
Show a sample answer
Eine Lösung wäre, den Müll zu reduzieren.
The infinitive clause 'den Müll zu reduzieren' correctly places 'zu' before the infinitive at the end. 'Reduzieren' means to reduce. Another valid answer: 'Eine Lösung wäre die Reduzierung des Mülls.' (nominal style).
3What is a polite way to ask for someone's opinion on your solution in an informal setting?
Show a sample answer
Was hältst du davon?
This is the informal 'du' form. In formal contexts, use 'Was halten Sie davon?'. Both are correct; choose based on your relationship with the person.
To describe a problem and propose a solution in German, use 'Das Problem ist...' to state the issue, and 'Eine Lösung wäre...' or 'Wir könnten...' to suggest a fix. Remember to use the subjunctive for politeness and place infinitives with 'zu' at the end of the clause.
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