Breakdown of Es handelt sich um ein wichtiges Problem.
das Problem
the problem
wichtig
important
es handelt sich um
it is a matter of, it concerns
Questions & Answers about Es handelt sich um ein wichtiges Problem.
Why is there a sich in this sentence?
The phrase es handelt sich um is a fixed idiom that means 'it is a matter of' or 'it concerns'. You have to use the reflexive pronoun sich here because the verb in this specific context is inherently reflexive. Without sich, the standalone verb handeln just means 'to act' or 'to trade'.
What case does the preposition um trigger here?
The preposition um always requires the accusative case. That is why the noun phrase that follows it, ein wichtiges Problem, is formatted in the accusative.
Why does the adjective wichtig get an -es ending?
Because it follows the indefinite article ein in the accusative case for a neuter noun (das Problem). When using ein, the adjective has to step up and show the gender of the neuter noun by taking the -es ending.
Could I use es geht um instead of es handelt sich um?
Yes! Es geht um ein wichtiges Problem means the exact same thing and also takes the accusative case. Es handelt sich um is just a slightly more formal way to say it, often used in written German, news, or professional contexts.
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