handbrake
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handbrake
A brake in a vehicle, usually operated by hand, used to secure the vehicle when stationary so it does not roll away. It is also called a parking brake or emergency brake.
Vergiss nicht, beim Parken am Berg die Handbremse anzuziehen.
Don't forget to apply the handbrake when parking on a hill.
The word is composed of 'die Hand' (the hand) and 'die Bremse' (the brake). So it literally describes a brake that you operate by hand.
In der Fahrschule lernst du, wie man die Handbremse richtig benutzt.
In driving school, you learn how to use the handbrake correctly.
In connection with the handbrake in a car, you almost always use the verbs 'anziehen' (to apply/engage) and 'lösen' (to release).
Bevor du den Motor ausschaltest, musst du die Handbremse anziehen.
Before you turn off the engine, you have to apply the handbrake.
In the figurative sense, the phrase 'mit angezogener Handbremse' (with the handbrake on) is often used. It means that someone or something is making progress only slowly, hesitantly, or with reduced performance.
Nach seiner Verletzung spielt der Fußballer noch mit angezogener Handbremse.
After his injury, the footballer is still playing with the handbrake on.
obstacle
'das Hindernis' and 'die Handbremse' can both figuratively mean something that makes progress more difficult. 'Hindernis' is neutral and describes a difficulty that has to be overcome. 'Handbremse' emphasizes more that something is slowing down a process, like a brake in a car. The words can be confused because both have to do with hindering something. If something is in the way or blocking a goal, 'Hindernis' fits. If something does not stop a development completely but clearly slows it down, 'Handbremse' sounds more natural.
Zu viele Regeln wirken in dem Projekt wie eine Handbremse.
Too many rules act like a handbrake on the project.
Die fehlende Genehmigung bleibt das größte Hindernis für den Umbau.
The missing permit remains the biggest obstacle to the renovation.