01
die Beschränkung
restriction
A rule, limit, or condition that limits or restricts something.
example
Auf dieser Autobahn gibt es eine Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung von 120 km/h.
On this highway, there is a speed restriction of 120 km/h.
die Beschränkung
restriction / limitation
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Beschränkung' (restriction / limitation) is derived from the verb 'beschränken' (to limit/restrict), which is related to 'die Schranke' (the barrier). So the basic idea is always to set a limit or a barrier.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen unsere Ausgaben auf das Nötigste beschränken.
We have to limit our expenses to the bare essentials.
Preposition 'auf'
'Beschränkung' (restriction / limitation) is very often used with the preposition 'auf' and the accusative. This construction indicates what something is limited to or what one is concentrating on.
EXAMPLE
Es gibt eine Beschränkung auf maximal 20 Teilnehmer pro Kurs.
There is a restriction to a maximum of 20 participants per course.
Typical compounds
'Beschränkung' (restriction) is often the second part of compound nouns that refer to a specific type of limit. Well-known examples are 'Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung' (speed limit/restriction), 'Altersbeschränkung' (age restriction), and 'Zugangsbeschränkung' (access restriction).
EXAMPLE
Für diesen Film gibt es eine Altersbeschränkung ab 16 Jahren.
There is an age restriction of 16 and over for this film.
Context clue
This meaning describes a conscious, often positive decision to focus. A typical phrase in this context is 'die Beschränkung auf das Wesentliche' (limiting oneself to the essentials), which is considered a good strategy for efficient work.
EXAMPLE
Die Beschränkung auf das Wesentliche hilft mir, meine Ziele schneller zu erreichen.
Limiting myself to the essentials helps me reach my goals faster.
Compare with
Beschränkung vs Freiheit
freedom
'die Freiheit' and 'die Beschränkung' are opposites. 'Freiheit' means that you can act or decide without unnecessary limits. 'Beschränkung' means that a rule, limit, or situation makes these possibilities smaller. 'Beschränkung' often sounds more neutral and factual than 'Zwang' (force / coercion): it is not always about someone applying pressure, but often simply about a limit. If you want to express that something is allowed and open, 'Freiheit' fits. If something is being limited, 'Beschränkung' fits.
Beschränkung
Für die Prüfung gilt eine Beschränkung: Jeder darf nur ein Wörterbuch benutzen.
There is a restriction for the exam: everyone may use only one dictionary.
Freiheit
Am Morgen nutzt das Team die Freiheit, den Ablauf selbst zu planen.
In the morning, the team uses the freedom to plan the process themselves.
In real life
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