beschränkt
limited
Limited or restricted in number, scope, space, or time.
EXAMPLE
Die Anzahl der Parkplätze ist stark beschränkt.
The number of parking spaces is very limited.
beschränkt
limited / narrow-minded
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Meanings
beschränkt
narrow-minded
(derogatory) Describing a person with low intelligence or a narrow outlook; stupid or narrow-minded.
EXAMPLE
Er ist zu beschränkt, um die komplexen Zusammenhänge zu verstehen.
He is too narrow-minded to understand the complex connections.
beschränkt
limited
In legal or business contexts, a liability that is limited to a specific amount or to the company's assets (e.g., in 'Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung' (limited liability company)).
EXAMPLE
Bei einer GmbH ist die Haftung der Gesellschafter auf ihre Einlagen beschränkt.
In a GmbH, the shareholders' liability is limited to their contributions.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Beschränkt' (limited/restricted) is the past participle of the verb 'beschränken' (to limit/restrict). The verb is derived from 'die Schranke' (the barrier). So to restrict something literally means to set a barrier or limit for it.
EXAMPLE
Der Zugang zum Archiv ist für die Öffentlichkeit beschränkt.
Access to the archive is limited for the public.
Use with 'auf'
To indicate the limit or boundary, 'beschränkt' (limited) is very often used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. This pattern is very typical.
EXAMPLE
Die Redezeit ist auf fünf Minuten pro Person beschränkt.
Speaking time is limited to five minutes per person.
Derogatory meaning
When 'beschränkt' (narrow-minded/stupid) describes a person, it is an insult and means 'dumm' (stupid) or 'engstirnig' (narrow-minded). You should use this word very carefully when referring to people, because it is strongly derogatory.
EXAMPLE
Seine Ansichten sind extrem beschränkt und intolerant.
His views are extremely narrow-minded and intolerant.
Fixed legal expression
In business and legal contexts, 'beschränkt' (limited) is part of the fixed term 'Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung' (limited liability company, GmbH). Here it refers to financial liability that is limited to the company's assets.
EXAMPLE
Viele kleine Unternehmen werden als Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung gegründet.
Many small businesses are founded as limited liability companies.
Compare with
beschränkt vs begrenzt
limited
Begrenzt and beschränkt can both express a lack of intellectual openness. When used for people, beschränkt is clearly derogatory and often refers to a narrow outlook or limited intelligence. Begrenzt usually describes the restriction more objectively and is less directly insulting.
beschränkt
Im Streit nannte sie sein Denken beschränkt.
During the argument, she called his thinking narrow-minded.
begrenzt
Sein Denken ist in manchen Bereichen begrenzt.
His thinking is limited in some areas.
In real life
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