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.
inhibition
Hemmung is an inner block that makes it difficult to act or speak freely. Hemmschwelle is the inner hurdle before a specific action. Use Hemmung for general insecurity; when someone is deciding whether to take a specific step, Hemmschwelle is the better choice.
Pauls Hemmschwelle war zu hoch, um beim Treffen eine fremde Person anzusprechen.
Paul's inhibition threshold was too high for him to approach a stranger at the meeting.
Wegen seiner Hemmungen sprach Paul während des ganzen Treffens kaum.
Because of his inhibitions, Paul barely spoke throughout the meeting.
