deterrence
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deterrence
The action or effect of preventing someone from doing something specific through fear of negative consequences. This is often used in military, political, or legal contexts.
Die hohen Geldstrafen sollen zur Abschreckung potenzieller Täter dienen.
The high fines are intended to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
The word is derived from the verb 'abschrecken' (to deter). It consists of 'ab-' (away), 'schrecken' (to frighten), and the ending '-ung', which turns a verb into a noun. The literal meaning is therefore something like 'frightening away'.
Die Installation von Kameras soll der Abschreckung von Dieben dienen.
The installation of cameras is intended to serve as a deterrent to thieves.
'Abschreckung' (deterrence) is very frequently used with the preposition 'zur' (zu der) to express a purpose. The typical construction is 'etwas dient zur Abschreckung' (something serves as a deterrent).
Die strengen Kontrollen an der Grenze dienen zur Abschreckung von Schmugglern.
The strict checks at the border serve as a deterrent to smugglers.
This word is used mainly in formal contexts such as politics, law, and the military. Typical combinations are 'nukleare Abschreckung' (nuclear deterrence) or 'eine wirksame Abschreckung' (an effective deterrent).
Die Androhung von Sanktionen ist Teil der politischen Abschreckung.
The threat of sanctions is part of political deterrence.
prevention
Prävention and Abschreckung can both serve to prevent future crimes. Prävention refers to the broader aim of prevention, whereas Abschreckung specifically relies on fear of negative consequences. Use Prävention for preventive measures in general, and Abschreckung when the focus is on a deterrent effect.
Härtere Strafen sollen der Abschreckung vor Einbrüchen dienen.
Harsher penalties are intended to deter people from committing burglaries.
Mehr Licht auf den Straßen gehört zur Prävention von Einbrüchen.
More lighting on the streets is part of preventing burglaries.
