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.
'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.
support
'die Unterstützung' and 'die Behinderung' are clear opposites here. 'Unterstützung' makes something easier or helps a person, a plan, or a project. 'Behinderung' here means an obstacle or disruption that makes something more difficult or blocks it. When someone helps, that is 'Unterstützung'. When something delays or disrupts the process, it is a 'Behinderung'.
Die Baustelle war eine große Behinderung für den Verkehr in der Innenstadt.
The construction site was a major obstruction to traffic in the city center.
Ohne die Unterstützung des Teams wäre das Projekt nicht rechtzeitig fertig geworden.
Without the team's support, the project would not have been finished on time.