01
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
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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 verhindern
to prevent
'verhindern' and 'hemmen' can both express that something does not continue freely or normally. 'verhindern' is usually stronger: something does not happen at all, or someone cannot do something. 'hemmen' often means that something becomes slower, more difficult, or blocked, but not necessarily that it stops completely. You can inhibit a development with 'hemmen', but you can also inhibit a person if they feel unsure. Learners may confuse the words because both stop or slow down something negative. As a guide: 'verhindern' is more like stopping something completely, while 'hemmen' is more like slowing something down or making someone feel unsure.
hemmen
Die Angst vor Fehlern hemmt viele Menschen beim Sprechen.
Fear of making mistakes inhibits many people when speaking.
verhindern
Der Regen hat verhindert, dass das Konzert im Park stattfindet.
The rain prevented the concert from taking place in the park.
In real life
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