„etwas beschäftigt jmdn.“ vs. „sich mit etwas beschäftigen“

Question

I was wondering if there is a difference in meaning between these two structures:

• Ich beschäftige mich mit diesem Problem.
• Dieses Problem beschäftigt mich.

Is there a difference in meaning between them?

Answer 1

"Ich beschäftige mich mit diesem Problem" means I actively deal with the problem, I made a conscious decision to try to find a solution.

"Dieses Problem beschäftigt mich" can mean the problem is currently occupying me - more or less the same meaning like above, just in a passive wording - but it can also mean it bothers me - I'm currently doing other things but thoughts about this problem keep coming to my mind.