to prevent
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to prevent
To stop someone or something from carrying out a particular action; to represent an obstacle.
Der laute Lärm hinderte mich daran, mich auf meine Arbeit zu konzentrieren.
The loud noise prevented me from concentrating on my work.
The verb 'hindern' (to prevent) requires a fixed structure: you always prevent 'jemanden' (someone, accusative) 'an etwas' (from something, dative). The preposition 'an' is fixed with this verb.
Ein plötzlicher Anruf hinderte ihn an der Weiterfahrt.
A sudden phone call prevented him from continuing the journey.
'Hindern' (to prevent) is very often used with a subordinate clause or an infinitive construction. The structure is then: 'jemanden daran hindern, etwas zu tun' (to prevent someone from doing something).
Die Angst hinderte sie daran, die Wahrheit zu sagen.
Fear prevented her from telling the truth.
'Hindern' (to prevent) belongs to the word family of 'das Hindernis' (obstacle). An obstacle is something that stands in the way and prevents you from doing something. This connection helps you understand the meaning.
Der umgefallene Baum war ein großes Hindernis auf der Straße.
The fallen tree was a major obstacle on the road.
to prevent
Both verbs can say that an action is not carried out. hindern normally focuses on the affected person or thing and is often used with „an“ or „daran“, while verhindern usually names the action or event as its accusative object. Use hindern for the person and verhindern for the action.
Der starke Regen hinderte die Spieler daran, das Spiel zu beginnen.
The heavy rain prevented the players from starting the game.
Der starke Regen verhinderte den Beginn des Spiels.
The heavy rain prevented the game from starting.
