barrier / limit
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barrier
A movable barrier, usually in the form of a beam, that temporarily blocks a passage or access, e.g. at level crossings or parking garage entrances.
Als der Zug nahte, senkten sich die Schranken am Bahnübergang.
As the train approached, the barriers at the level crossing came down.
limit / barrier
In a figurative sense, a boundary, limit, or obstacle that restricts a development or action. It is usually used in the plural.
Der Fantasie sind bei diesem Projekt keine Schranken gesetzt.
There are no limits set on the imagination in this project.
to put someone in their place
A fixed expression that means to reprimand someone and show them their limits.
Der Lehrer musste den frechen Schüler deutlich in die Schranken weisen.
The teacher had to clearly put the cheeky student in his place.
The word 'Schranke' (barrier) is related to 'Schrank' (cabinet/wardrobe). Both terms have the basic idea of enclosing, setting something apart, or blocking something.
Die Schranke blockiert die Einfahrt zum Parkplatz.
The barrier blocks the entrance to the parking lot.
In the singular, 'die Schranke' almost always refers to a physical barrier. In the figurative sense of boundaries or limits, the word is used almost exclusively in the plural, 'die Schranken' (limits/barriers).
Der Autofahrer wartete vor der geschlossenen Schranke.
The driver waited in front of the closed barrier.
In connection with the physical barrier, verbs such as 'sich senken' (to come down), 'hochgehen' (to go up), 'sich öffnen' (to open), or 'sich schließen' (to close) are often used.
Als der Zug kam, senkten sich die Schranken automatisch.
When the train came, the barriers came down automatically.
In the figurative sense, 'Schranken' (limits/barriers) is often used in fixed expressions, such as 'jemandem Schranken setzen' (to set limits for someone) or 'Schranken überwinden' (to overcome obstacles).
Mit ihrer Kreativität überwand sie alle technischen Schranken.
With her creativity, she overcame all technical barriers.
The idiom 'jemanden in die Schranken weisen' (to put someone in their place) has a fixed structure. The person being reprimanded is always in the accusative.
Der Chef musste den unhöflichen Mitarbeiter in die Schranken weisen.
The boss had to put the rude employee in his place.
border / limit
„Grenzen“ and „Schranken“ can both restrict unwanted behavior. Usually, you set Grenzen for a person, thereby showing them what is not acceptable. You are more likely to set Schranken for an action or development; „Schranke“ is usually used in the plural.
Die Lehrerin setzt seinen ständigen Störungen klare Schranken.
The teacher puts firm limits on his constant disruptions.
Die Lehrerin setzt dem störenden Schüler klare Grenzen.
The teacher sets clear boundaries for the disruptive student.
