to hinder / obstruct
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to obstruct
To physically stand in the way of someone or something, or make free movement more difficult.
Ein Falschparker behindert die Durchfahrt der Straßenbahn.
An illegally parked car is obstructing the streetcar's passage.
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'.
Ein umgefallener Baum behindert den Verkehr auf der Autobahn.
A fallen tree is obstructing traffic on the highway.
The verb 'behindern' always requires an accusative object. You always hinder or obstruct someone or something.
Bitte nicht die Rettungsarbeiten behindern!
Please do not obstruct the rescue work!
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.
Barrierefreie Zugänge helfen, Menschen mit Rollstuhl nicht zu behindern.
Accessible entrances help avoid hindering people in wheelchairs.
to help
'helfen' and 'behindern' are often clear opposites. 'helfen' means that you support a person or a thing so that something is easier to do. 'behindern', on the other hand, means that something becomes more difficult, goes more slowly, or is not really possible. This can be physical, for example when someone is standing in the way, or more general, when a plan is disrupted. Put simply: someone who helps makes something easier; someone who hinders makes something harder.
Die laute Musik behindert die Lehrerin beim Erklären.
The loud music is hindering the teacher while she explains.
Bei den Hausaufgaben hilft mir meine Schwester oft am Wochenende.
My sister often helps me with my homework on weekends.