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
die Beschränkung
limitation
The state of consciously concentrating on a few things or just one thing and excluding other things.
EXAMPLE
Die Beschränkung auf das Wesentliche hilft, sich nicht zu verzetteln.
Limiting yourself to the essentials helps you avoid getting sidetracked.
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 Grenze
border / limit
“Grenze” and “Beschränkung” can both express that not everything is possible. “Grenze” refers to the extent of what is still possible or to its endpoint. A “Beschränkung” is more often a condition or a specific rule that reduces the available possibilities.
Beschränkung
Der Veranstalter führt für denselben Saal eine Beschränkung auf 100 Gäste ein.
For the same hall, the organizer is introducing a restriction to 100 guests.
Grenze
Die Größe des Saals setzt dem Angebot eine natürliche Grenze.
The size of the hall places a natural limit on what can be offered.
In real life
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