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Is the word duro the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling, grammar, and primary definition (physical hardness) are identical in both dialects, the typical usage differs. In Brazilian Portuguese, "duro" is frequently used as a natural synonym for "difficult" (in abstract contexts) or to describe a person's "tough" or "stingy" personality. In Continental Portuguese, while "duro" is used for physical hardness, speakers more naturally gravitate toward synonyms like difícil (for difficulty), severo (for personality), or sem dinheiro (for financial status) when expressing those specific ideas.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. A prova de matemática estava muito dura. (The math exam was very hard/difficult.)
  2. Ele é um chefe muito duro com os funcionários. (He is a very tough boss with the employees.) *3. Não posso sair hoje, estou muito duro este mês. (I can't go out today; I'm very broke this month.)
  3. É um trabalho muito duro para a sua idade. (It is very hard/strenuous work for your age.)
  4. O pão ficou duro porque esqueceu no forno. (The bread became hard because it was left in the oven.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O exame de matemática estava muito difícil. (The math exam was very difficult.)
  2. Ele é um chefe muito severo com os funcionários. (He is a very severe boss with the employees.)
  3. Não posso sair hoje, estou sem dinheiro este mês. (I can't go out today; I am without money this month.)
  4. É um trabalho muito pesado para a sua idade. (It is very heavy/strenuous work for your age.)
  5. O pão ficou duro porque esqueceu no forno. (The bread became hard because it was left in the oven.)