begrenzen
to border / bound
To define or form a spatial or physical boundary for something.
EXAMPLE
Eine hohe Mauer begrenzt das Grundstück zur Straße hin.
A high wall borders the property on the street side.
begrenzen
to limit / border
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Meanings
begrenzen
to limit
To restrict or limit the scope, amount, or duration of something.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen die Redezeit auf fünf Minuten pro Person begrenzen.
We have to limit speaking time to five minutes per person.
sich begrenzen auf
to limit oneself to
To deliberately restrict oneself to a particular thing, topic, or activity.
EXAMPLE
In meinem Vortrag werde ich mich auf die wichtigsten Ergebnisse begrenzen.
In my presentation, I will limit myself to the most important results.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Begrenzen' (to limit/border) is derived from the noun 'die Grenze' (border/boundary). The prefix 'be-' makes it an inseparable verb that describes an action: setting a boundary.
EXAMPLE
Der Fluss bildet die natürliche Grenze zwischen den beiden Ländern.
The river forms the natural border between the two countries.
Typical collocations
In its abstract meaning, 'begrenzen' (to limit) is often used for non-physical things. Typical combinations are: limit costs, time, speed, choices, or the number of participants.
EXAMPLE
Die Firma muss ihre Ausgaben für das nächste Quartal begrenzen.
The company has to limit its expenses for the next quarter.
Reflexive with preposition
The reflexive form 'sich begrenzen auf' (to limit oneself to) has a fixed structure. It always uses the preposition 'auf' followed by the accusative and means that you deliberately focus on or restrict yourself to something.
EXAMPLE
Ich begrenze mich in meiner Präsentation auf die wichtigsten Fakten.
In my presentation, I am limiting myself to the most important facts.
Compare with
begrenzen vs beschränken
to limit / restrict
Both words can express that the scope, amount, or duration becomes smaller. “Begrenzen” emphasizes setting an outer limit, such as a maximum number. “Beschränken” places more emphasis on restricting use or the scope for action. Use “begrenzen” for a limit and “beschränken” when there are fewer possibilities.
begrenzen
Die Stadt begrenzt die Zahl der Besucher auf fünfhundert.
The city is limiting the number of visitors to five hundred.
beschränken
Die neue Regel beschränkt die Nutzung des Parks auf wenige Stunden.
The new rule restricts use of the park to just a few hours.
In real life
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