der Stolperstein
Translation
stumbling block, obstacle, Stolperstein (memorial plaque)
Examples
Die Bürokratie ist ein großer Stolperstein.
Bureaucracy is a major stumbling block.
Vor dem Haus liegt ein Stolperstein für ein Opfer.
In front of the house lies a Stolperstein for a victim.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) is a stumbling block for ((sb.)). The new rule was a stumbling block for the team.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Hindernis (obstacle), Hürde (hurdle), Schwierigkeit (difficulty)
Etymology
Composed of 'stolpern' (to stumble) and 'Stein' (stone). Literally means 'stumbling stone'.
Memory Tips
Imagine physically stumbling ('stolpern') over a stone ('Stein'). This helps remember its meaning as an obstacle or stumbling block.