isolation / partitioning
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isolation
The act of isolating or separating oneself or something from the outside world. This can refer to countries, social groups, or even technical systems.
Die politische Abschottung des Landes führte zu wirtschaftlichen Schwierigkeiten.
The country's political isolation led to economic difficulties.
The word comes from the verb 'abschotten' (to seal off / to isolate). A 'Schott' is a watertight bulkhead on a ship. 'Abschotten' therefore literally means to seal off an area as if with such a wall. This idea of strict separation is then transferred to politics or social groups.
Das U-Boot kann die einzelnen Sektionen im Notfall abschotten.
The submarine can seal off the individual sections in an emergency.
The context makes the meaning clear. Adjectives like 'politisch' (political), 'wirtschaftlich' (economic), or 'sozial' (social) point to the figurative meaning of isolation. Technical terms like 'feuerfest' (fireproof) or 'wasserdicht' (watertight) indicate the structural meaning.
Die soziale Abschottung mancher Gruppen ist ein Problem.
The social isolation of some groups is a problem.
In the political or social sense, 'Abschottung' (isolation) is often used with the preposition 'von' (from) or the adverb 'nach außen' (toward the outside). Typical combinations are 'Abschottung von der Außenwelt' (isolation from the outside world) or 'wirtschaftliche Abschottung' (economic isolation).
Viele kritisieren die zunehmende Abschottung des Landes von seinen Nachbarn.
Many criticize the country's increasing isolation from its neighbors.
opening
'die Öffnung' and 'die Abschottung' are opposites in politics, society, or economics. Here, 'Öffnung' means that an area becomes more accessible and more exchange is possible. 'Abschottung' means that a country, group, or system separates itself more strongly from others. So 'Öffnung' fits when contacts, trade, or access are made easier. 'Abschottung' fits when borders, rules, or behavior create distance from the outside.
Die Abschottung der Gruppe machte Gespräche mit anderen immer schwieriger.
The group's isolation made conversations with others increasingly difficult.
Nach der Öffnung des Landes konnten wieder mehr Studierende ins Ausland reisen.
After the opening of the country, more students were able to travel abroad again.