vanskeligheden

Vanskeligheden is the definite form of the Danish noun Vanskelighed, meaning difficulty or obstacle. It denotes the state or quality of being difficult, or a particular problem that makes something harder. It can refer to a single problem (en vanskelighed) or to difficulties in general (vanskeligheder). The plural form is vanskeligheder, and the definite plural is vanskelighederne. The word is used across contexts from everyday life to professional settings.

Etymology and form: Vanskelighed originates from the adjective vanskelig (difficult) with the abstract-noun suffix -ighed, forming the noun vanskelighed, with the definite form vanskeligheden. This construction is typical in Danish for expressing “the state of being …” or “the quality of being ….”

Usage and nuance: Vanskeligheden is a neutral, descriptive term. It can refer to concrete obstacles, procedural hurdles, or conceptual challenges. Common expressions include "at have vanskeligheder med" (to have difficulties with) and "med vanskelighederne" (with the difficulties). In context, vanskeligheden can be contrasted with ease or solved through effort, planning, or assistance.

Related terms: Synonyms include besvær, problem, and udfordring, each with slightly different connotations. Vanskeligheder can also be discussed in more technical or systematic contexts, such as academia, project management, or linguistics, to denote obstacles that require analysis or remediation.

See also: besvær, problem, udfordring. The term is widely used in Danish writing and speech to describe impediments to achieving a goal, whether in daily tasks or broader undertakings.