hemmen
to inhibit
To slow down, hinder, or block growth, development, or an action.
EXAMPLE
Das neue Medikament hemmt das Wachstum der Bakterien.
The new medication inhibits the growth of the bacteria.
hemmen
to inhibit
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Meanings
hemmen
to inhibit
To make someone insecure or self-conscious in their behavior, so that they cannot express themselves or move freely.
EXAMPLE
Seine strenge Erziehung hemmte ihn, seine wahren Gefühle zu zeigen.
His strict upbringing inhibited him from showing his true feelings.
Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'hemmen' (to inhibit) is closely related to the noun 'die Hemmung' (inhibition) and the adjective 'gehemmt' (inhibited). All three describe a form of blockage or insecurity.
EXAMPLE
Er hat keine Hemmungen, seine Meinung offen zu sagen.
He has no inhibitions about saying his opinion openly.
Context clues
If 'hemmen' (to inhibit) refers to a process or thing, it means 'to slow down' or 'to block'. If it refers to a person, it means that this person is made insecure or self-conscious.
EXAMPLE
Kälte hemmt das Pflanzenwachstum.
Cold inhibits plant growth.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'to block', 'hemmen' (to inhibit) is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'das Wachstum' (growth), 'die Entwicklung' (development), 'die Entzündung' (inflammation), or 'die Ausbreitung' (spread).
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung versucht, die Inflation zu hemmen.
The government is trying to curb inflation.
Use with people
When a person is inhibited, you often describe what they are inhibited in, e.g. 'jemanden in seiner Kreativität hemmen' (to inhibit someone in their creativity). The use of the participle as an adjective is also very common: 'sich gehemmt fühlen' (to feel inhibited).
EXAMPLE
Kritik kann junge Künstler in ihrer Kreativität hemmen.
Criticism can inhibit young artists in their creativity.
Compare with
hemmen vs behindern
to hinder / obstruct
Both verbs can describe something that slows down a development or process. „Behindern“ tends to refer to a specific opposing circumstance, while „hemmen“ emphasizes the slowing effect on growth, development, or an action. Use „behindern“ for an obstacle and „hemmen“ for a slowing effect.
hemmen
Die Kälte hemmt das Wachstum der Pflanzen.
The cold inhibits the growth of the plants.
behindern
Die hohen Kosten behindern den Ausbau des öffentlichen Verkehrs.
The high costs are hindering the expansion of public transportation.
In real life
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