inhibitor
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inhibitor
A substance that slows down, inhibits, or completely blocks a chemical, biological, or physiological reaction. This term is used especially in medicine, pharmacology, and biology.
Der Arzt verschrieb ihm einen Säureblocker, der als Hemmer der Magensäureproduktion wirkt.
The doctor prescribed him an acid blocker that acts as an inhibitor of stomach acid production.
The noun 'der Hemmer' is derived directly from the verb 'hemmen' (to slow down, block something). The ending '-er' here refers to the person or substance that carries out the act of inhibiting.
Dieses Medikament hemmt das Wachstum der Bakterien.
This medication inhibits the growth of the bacteria.
In this meaning, 'Hemmer' (inhibitor) is a technical term from biology, chemistry, and medicine. It is often used in compound words such as 'ACE-Hemmer' (ACE inhibitor), 'Gerinnungshemmer' (anticoagulant), or 'Säurehemmer' (acid inhibitor).
Patienten mit Bluthochdruck bekommen oft ACE-Hemmer verschrieben.
Patients with high blood pressure are often prescribed ACE inhibitors.
In the figurative sense, 'Hemmer' (obstacle/inhibitor) is often used with abstract concepts. Typical phrases are 'ein Hemmer für den Fortschritt' (an obstacle to progress), 'ein Hemmer für die Kreativität' (an obstacle to creativity), or 'der größte Hemmer sein' (to be the biggest obstacle).
Bürokratie ist oft ein großer Hemmer für Innovationen in Unternehmen.
Bureaucracy is often a major obstacle to innovation in companies.
obstacle
'das Hindernis' and 'der Hemmer' can both refer to something that makes progress more difficult. 'Hindernis' is the normal word for a difficulty or hurdle that has to be overcome. 'Hemmer' is more about a person or circumstance that slows down a development. It often sounds somewhat more technical or abstract than 'Hindernis'. Learners may confuse the words because both make reaching a goal more difficult. As a simple guide: a Hindernis stands in the way, while a Hemmer slows down a development.
Angst vor Fehlern ist für viele Lernende ein starker Hemmer.
Fear of making mistakes is a major inhibitor for many learners.
Die schlechte Internetverbindung ist beim Online-Kurs ein echtes Hindernis.
The poor internet connection is a real obstacle in the online course.