German word

Dilemma

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌdiˈlɛma/

Meaning

  • neuter noundilemma

Example

Das ist ein klassisches Dilemma.

That is a classic dilemma.

Illustration for Dilemma (dilemma)

More examples

Sie steckte in einem Dilemma und fand keinen Ausweg.

She was stuck in a dilemma and found no way out.

Core concept

Two damaged bridges are the only routes forward, so choosing either route carries a cost.

Common phrases

  • in einem Dilemma stecken

    be stuck in a dilemma

  • kein Ausweg aus dem Dilemma

    no way out of the dilemma

  • ein theoretisches Dilemma

    a theoretical dilemma

Similar words

Zwickmühle: A trapped situation in which any decision leads to an unfavorable outcome.
Klemme: A troublesome situation that offers no easy way out.

Definition in German

Eine Lage, in der man zwischen zwei unangenehmen oder nachteiligen Möglichkeiten wählen muss.

Word origin

Dilemma entered German as a scholarly term from Latin dilemma, which goes back to Greek and originally named a two-part proposition.

Usage tips

  • German commonly uses vor einem Dilemma stehen for being faced with such a choice and in ein Dilemma geraten for ending up in one.

Opposites

Related words

  • dilemmatischdilemmaticadjective

Word lists with this word