das Hindernis
Translation
obstacle, hindrance, hurdle, impediment
Examples
Das war ein großes Hindernis.
That was a big obstacle.
Er überwand jedes Hindernis.
He overcame every obstacle.
Grammar Patterns
(as a noun) an obstacle An obstacle blocked the road.
to be an obstacle ((for sb./sth.)) The high price was an obstacle to the purchase.
Similar Words
Synonyms: die Hürde (hurdle), die Schwierigkeit (difficulty); Antonyms: die Hilfe (help), die Unterstützung (support)
Etymology
From the verb 'hindern' (to hinder, to prevent) and the suffix '-nis', which forms neuter nouns.
Memory Tips
It 'hinders' your progress. Think of something physically blocking your path.