containment
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containment
The act of limiting or stopping the spread or negative effects of something. This often refers to dangers such as diseases, fires, or crises.
Die Regierung hat neue Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Pandemie beschlossen.
The government has approved new measures for the containment of the pandemic.
The word comes from the verb 'eindämmen' (to contain). It contains the word 'der Damm' (dam). The meaning is figurative: you build a dam around something dangerous in order to stop its spread.
Die Feuerwehr versucht, das Feuer mit Barrieren einzudämmen.
The fire department is trying to contain the fire with barriers.
'Eindämmung' (containment) is typically used for negative phenomena that spread. Common combinations are the containment of a virus, a disease, a forest fire, or inflation.
Die Eindämmung des Waldbrandes hat oberste Priorität.
The containment of the forest fire has top priority.
'Eindämmung' (containment) is very often used in the construction 'Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung von etwas' (measures for the containment of something). The preposition 'zur' expresses the purpose of the measures here.
Die Zentralbank ergreift Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Inflation.
The central bank is taking measures to contain inflation.
The word 'Eindämmung' (containment) belongs more to formal language. You often find it in the news, political speeches, or scientific texts.
Im Bericht der Experten geht es um die Eindämmung von Cyber-Angriffen.
The experts' report is about the containment of cyberattacks.
control / check
'Kontrolle' and 'Eindämmung' can both be used in situations where a problem should not get bigger. 'Kontrolle' means that you have command of a situation or have it under control. 'Eindämmung' more specifically means limiting the spread or effects of something, for example with fires, diseases, or crises. Learners may confuse the words because after successful containment, people often say that something is under control. 'Eindämmung' describes the measures against the spread more, while 'Kontrolle' describes the state of being in control of the situation.
Die Stadt hat neue Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Krankheit beschlossen.
The city has approved new measures to contain the disease.
Nach einer Stunde hatte die Feuerwehr die Kontrolle über den Brand.
After an hour, the fire department had the fire under control.