isolation / partitioning
Loading your saved state.
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.
partitioning
A technical device or structural measure that separates one area from another in a watertight or fireproof way, for example on ships or in buildings.
Die feuerfeste Abschottung zwischen den Abteilungen verhinderte die Ausbreitung des Brandes.
The fireproof partitioning between the sections prevented the fire from spreading.
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.
boundary / distinction
Both words refer to deliberately keeping oneself or something away from the outside. Abgrenzung can simply express a clear boundary or one's own identity, whereas Abschottung suggests extensive isolation with little or no exchange. Use Abgrenzung for limited separation and Abschottung for the isolating effect.
Die Abschottung der Gruppe von der Außenwelt ließ kaum noch Austausch mit anderen zu.
The group's isolation from the outside world left hardly any opportunity for exchange with others.
Die Abgrenzung der Gruppe von anderen Vereinen ließ weiterhin gemeinsame Projekte zu.
The group's separation from other clubs still allowed for joint projects.
