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.
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.
protection
'der Schutz' and 'die Barriere' can be related because a barrier sometimes provides protection. A fence, for example, can prevent someone from entering a dangerous area. The most important difference, however, is this: 'Schutz' emphasizes safety, while 'Barriere' emphasizes the obstacle. A barrier can be useful, but it can also get in the way, for example for people with disabilities or for communication. Learners may confuse the words when something both protects and blocks at the same time. Ask yourself: if it is mainly about safety, use 'Schutz'; if it is mainly about an obstacle, use 'Barriere'.
Die hohe Stufe ist für Rollstuhlfahrer eine echte Barriere.
The high step is a real barrier for wheelchair users.
Ist diese Hülle wirklich ein guter Schutz für das Handy?
Is this case really good protection for the phone?