disability / obstruction
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disability
A lasting physical, mental, or emotional impairment that makes participation in social life more difficult.
Trotz seiner körperlichen Behinderung ist er ein erfolgreicher Athlet.
Despite his physical disability, he is a successful athlete.
obstruction
An obstacle or disruption that makes a process or movement more difficult or blocks it.
Aufgrund eines Unfalls gibt es auf der Autobahn eine starke Behinderung des Verkehrs.
Because of an accident, there is a major obstruction to traffic on the highway.
'Die Behinderung' (disability/obstruction) is a noun derived from the verb 'behindern' (to hinder, to obstruct). The ending '-ung' turns the verb into a feminine noun.
Er fühlte sich durch den Lärm bei der Arbeit behindert.
He felt hindered by the noise while working.
The context makes the meaning clear. If people and their health are being discussed, 'Behinderung' means an impairment or disability (m01). If traffic, construction work, or processes are being discussed, 'Behinderung' means an obstacle or obstruction (m02).
Er hat eine angeborene Behinderung und sitzt im Rollstuhl.
He has a congenital disability and uses a wheelchair.
In connection with health limitations, you often hear the combinations 'eine körperliche/geistige Behinderung' (a physical/intellectual disability), 'eine schwere Behinderung haben' (to have a severe disability), or 'mit einer Behinderung leben' (to live with a disability).
Viele öffentliche Gebäude sind noch nicht für Menschen mit Behinderung zugänglich.
Many public buildings are still not accessible to people with disabilities.
As an obstacle, 'Behinderung' is often used in the context of traffic and logistics. Typical phrases are 'Behinderung des Verkehrs' (obstruction to traffic), 'zu Behinderungen führen' (to lead to obstructions/disruptions), or 'eine Behinderung beseitigen' (to remove an obstruction).
Die Demonstration führte zu erheblichen Behinderungen in der Innenstadt.
The demonstration led to considerable disruptions in the city center.
disruption / disorder
Störung refers to faulty or interrupted operation. Behinderung, by contrast, refers to an obstacle that makes a process more difficult or blocks it without itself being a malfunction. Störung is therefore appropriate for a technical error, while Behinderung is more appropriate for an obstructing obstacle.
Ein umgestürzter Baum führt zu einer Behinderung des Zugverkehrs.
A fallen tree obstructed rail traffic.
Eine technische Störung verzögert die Abfahrt der Züge.
A technical malfunction delayed the trains’ departure.
