inhibition threshold
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inhibition threshold
An inner psychological barrier that keeps a person from doing something specific, often out of fear, shame, or uncertainty.
Viele Leute haben eine hohe Hemmschwelle, um Hilfe zu bitten.
Many people have a high inhibition threshold when it comes to asking for help.
The word consists of 'Hemm-' from the verb 'hemmen' (to inhibit, restrain, or block) and 'Schwelle' (threshold, a kind of boundary). So it metaphorically describes a boundary in your mind that makes you hesitate.
Er musste seine innere Hemmschwelle überwinden, um vor der Gruppe zu sprechen.
He had to overcome his inner inhibition threshold in order to speak in front of the group.
'Hemmschwelle' (inhibition threshold) is very often used with the adjectives 'hoch' (high) or 'niedrig' (low). You can 'eine Hemmschwelle haben' (have an inhibition threshold), 'überwinden' (overcome) it, or 'senken' (lower) it.
Kinder haben oft eine niedrigere Hemmschwelle, auf fremde Menschen zuzugehen.
Children often have a lower inhibition threshold when approaching strangers.
The expression 'eine Hemmschwelle haben' (to have an inhibition threshold) is often combined with an infinitive clause with 'zu'. This describes which action is being inhibited.
Sie hat eine große Hemmschwelle, ihre Meinung offen zu sagen.
She has a strong inhibition threshold about expressing her opinion openly.
hurdle
'Hürde' and 'Hemmschwelle' both describe something that makes an action more difficult. 'Hürde' is general: it can be an external problem, such as money, time, rules, or an exam. 'Hemmschwelle' is internal and psychological. It often arises from fear, shame, or uncertainty. The words can be confused when someone does not do something. If the problem lies outside the person, 'Hürde' fits. If the person does not dare to do something internally, 'Hemmschwelle' is more precise.
Vor dem Gespräch war meine Hemmschwelle hoch, weil ich Angst vor einer Absage hatte.
Before the conversation, my inhibition threshold was high because I was afraid of being rejected.
Für den neuen Job ist die Sprache noch eine Hürde.
For the new job, the language is still a hurdle.