barrier
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barrier
A physical obstacle such as a barrier gate, fence, or wall that blocks access or movement.
Eine umgestürzte Baum bildete eine unüberwindbare Barriere auf der Landstraße.
A fallen tree formed an insurmountable barrier on the country road.
barrier
An abstract obstacle that makes communication, progress, or understanding difficult or impossible.
Unterschiedliche kulturelle Vorstellungen können eine Barriere für eine erfolgreiche Geschäftsbeziehung sein.
Different cultural ideas can be a barrier to a successful business relationship.
barrier
An obstacle in a built or digital environment that prevents people with disabilities from full participation. Often used in the context of 'Barrierefreiheit' (accessibility).
Eine Treppe ohne Aufzug ist für Rollstuhlfahrer eine alltägliche Barriere.
A staircase without an elevator is an everyday barrier for wheelchair users.
You can recognize the meaning from context. If it is about physical objects like walls or fences, the literal meaning is intended. If it is about communication, culture, or feelings, it refers to an abstract, figurative barrier.
Die Polizei errichtete eine Barriere auf der Straße.
The police set up a barrier on the road.
In the figurative sense, 'Barriere' (barrier) is often used with adjectives such as 'sprachlich' (linguistic/language-related), 'kulturell' (cultural), or 'sozial' (social). The typical verb in this context is 'Barrieren abbauen' (to break down barriers).
Das Projekt soll helfen, soziale Barrieren zwischen den Generationen abzubauen.
The project is intended to help break down social barriers between the generations.
In the context of disabilities, the adjective 'barrierefrei' (accessible/barrier-free) is very important. It means that there are no obstacles for people, for example those using wheelchairs. The related noun is 'die Barrierefreiheit' (accessibility).
Der neue Bahnhof ist vollständig barrierefrei gestaltet.
The new train station has been designed to be fully accessible.
When talking about physical barriers, the verbs 'errichten' (to erect), 'aufbauen' (to set up), or 'erstellen' (to create) are often used. The opposite is expressed with 'durchbrechen' (to break through), 'überwinden' (to overcome), or 'entfernen' (to remove).
Die Demonstranten versuchten, die polizeiliche Barriere zu durchbrechen.
The demonstrators tried to break through the police barrier.
wall
Mauer and Barriere can refer figuratively to a separation between people. Mauer often emphasizes a strong emotional or interpersonal barrier. Barriere is more general and refers to any obstacle that makes communication or understanding more difficult, for example.
Sein langes Schweigen wurde zu einer Barriere für das Gespräch mit seiner Schwester.
His long silence became a barrier to talking with his sister.
Sein langes Schweigen errichtete eine Mauer zwischen ihm und seiner Schwester.
His long silence built a wall between him and his sister.
