das Hindernis
obstacle
An object or condition that blocks the way or makes progress more difficult.
EXAMPLE
Ein umgestürzter Baum war ein großes Hindernis auf der Straße.
A fallen tree was a major obstacle on the road.
das Hindernis
obstacle
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Meanings
das Hindernis
obstacle
An abstract difficulty, problem, or hurdle that must be overcome in order to reach a goal.
EXAMPLE
Mangelnde Sprachkenntnisse sind oft ein Hindernis bei der Jobsuche im Ausland.
Insufficient language skills are often an obstacle when looking for a job abroad.
das Hindernis
obstacle
In sports, a barrier that athletes or horses have to jump over.
EXAMPLE
Der Läufer überwand jedes Hindernis mit Leichtigkeit.
The runner overcame every obstacle with ease.
Usage tips
Word family
'Das Hindernis' (obstacle) is derived from the verb 'hindern' (to hinder/prevent), which means 'aufhalten' (to stop/hold up) or 'erschweren' (to make more difficult). The suffix '-nis' turns it into a noun that describes the thing or circumstance that hinders someone.
EXAMPLE
Lass dich von kleinen Problemen nicht an deinem Plan hindern.
Don't let small problems stop you from following your plan.
Typical verbs
'Hindernis' (obstacle) is often combined with certain verbs. You can 'überwinden' (overcome), 'beseitigen' (remove), or 'aus dem Weg räumen' (clear out of the way) an obstacle. Something can also 'darstellen' (represent/constitute) or 'bilden' (form) an obstacle.
EXAMPLE
Gemeinsam haben wir alle Hindernisse überwunden.
Together we overcame all the obstacles.
Sentence structure with a preposition
To express for whom or for what something is an obstacle, the preposition 'für' is used with the accusative. The structure is: 'ein Hindernis für jemanden/etwas sein' (to be an obstacle for someone/something).
EXAMPLE
Die Sprache war am Anfang ein Hindernis für sie.
At first, the language was an obstacle for her.
Compare with
Hindernis vs Behinderung
disability / obstruction
Both words can refer to something that makes progress more difficult. An „Hindernis“ is usually the specific thing or circumstance that is in the way, while a „Behinderung“ focuses more strongly on the resulting disruption of the process. Name the object as an „Hindernis“ and its effect as a „Behinderung“.
Hindernis
Die Baustelle war ein großes Hindernis für den Verkehr.
The construction work was a major obstacle for traffic.
Behinderung
Die Baustelle verursachte eine starke Behinderung des Verkehrs.
The construction work caused a major obstruction to traffic.
In real life
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