behindern
to obstruct
To physically stand in the way of someone or something, or make free movement more difficult.
EXAMPLE
Ein Falschparker behindert die Durchfahrt der Straßenbahn.
An illegally parked car is obstructing the streetcar's passage.
behindern
to hinder / obstruct
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Meanings
behindern
to hinder
To make the development, progress, or execution of something more difficult, disruptive, or slower.
EXAMPLE
Die laute Musik behindert meine Konzentration.
The loud music is hindering my concentration.
Usage tips
False friend
Careful: 'behindern' is a false friend! It does not mean 'to be behind something', but rather 'hindern' (to hinder) or 'im Weg stehen' (to stand in the way / obstruct). The German word for 'behind' is 'hinter'.
EXAMPLE
Ein umgefallener Baum behindert den Verkehr auf der Autobahn.
A fallen tree is obstructing traffic on the highway.
Sentence structure with accusative
The verb 'behindern' always requires an accusative object. You always hinder or obstruct someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Bitte nicht die Rettungsarbeiten behindern!
Please do not obstruct the rescue work!
Word family
The adjective 'behindert' (disabled) is derived from this verb. It describes a person whose physical, mental, or psychological abilities are permanently limited. The verb describes the action of creating such a limitation or obstacle.
EXAMPLE
Barrierefreie Zugänge helfen, Menschen mit Rollstuhl nicht zu behindern.
Accessible entrances help avoid hindering people in wheelchairs.
Compare with
verhindernstöreneinschränkenaufhaltenblockierenbremsenbeeinträchtigenerschwerenhindernhemmenentgegenstehen
behindern vs verhindern
to prevent
Both words can describe a problem with a project or undertaking. Verhindern means that the planned result or event does not happen at all, while behindern merely makes progress more difficult, disrupts it, or delays it. When it is clear that something cannot take place, verhindern is appropriate; for additional difficulties, use behindern.
behindern
Der starke Sturm behinderte die Arbeit am Flughafen.
The severe storm hindered work at the airport.
verhindern
Der starke Sturm verhinderte den Start des Flugzeugs.
The severe storm prevented the plane from taking off.
In real life
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