die Sperre
barrier
An obstacle or barrier that physically blocks a path, road, or access point.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei errichtete eine Sperre, um die Unfallstelle abzusichern.
The police set up a barrier to secure the accident site.
die Sperre
barrier / block
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Meanings
die Sperre
block
The blocking of access to something, for example a bank account, SIM card, or online account.
EXAMPLE
Wegen verdächtiger Aktivitäten wurde die Sperre seines Kontos veranlasst.
Because of suspicious activity, the blocking of his account was initiated.
die Sperre
ban / suspension
A temporary ban on participating in an activity, especially a penalty for an athlete after a rule violation.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der Tätlichkeit erhielt der Spieler eine Sperre für die nächsten vier Spiele.
Because of the assault, the player received a suspension for the next four games.
die Sperre
block
A psychological inhibition or block that prevents someone from doing something, thinking, or expressing themselves creatively.
EXAMPLE
Der Autor leidet unter einer Sperre und hat seit Wochen keine Zeile geschrieben.
The author is suffering from a block and hasn't written a line in weeks.
die Sperre
safety lock
A technical mechanism that locks or secures something in order to prevent unintended movement or function.
EXAMPLE
Um den Abzug zu blockieren, muss man die Sperre am Gewehr einlegen.
To block the trigger, you have to engage the safety lock on the rifle.
Usage tips
Word family
'Die Sperre' (barrier/block) is the noun corresponding to the verb 'sperren' (to block/lock). When you block something, such as a road or an account, the result is a 'Sperre' (block/barrier).
EXAMPLE
Die Bank hat mein Konto gesperrt. Ich muss anrufen, um die Sperre aufzuheben.
The bank blocked my account. I have to call to have the block lifted.
Typical verbs
In connection with physical barriers, the verb 'errichten' (to erect/set up) is often used. To remove them, you say 'aufheben' (to lift) or 'entfernen' (to remove).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Erdrutsch musste eine Straßensperre errichtet werden.
After the landslide, a roadblock had to be set up.
Typical collocations
In digital or financial contexts, 'Sperre' (block) is often combined into words like 'Kontosperre' (account block) or 'Handysperre' (phone lock/block). You can 'veranlassen' (initiate) or 'aufheben' (lift) a block.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Diebstahl habe ich sofort die Sperre meiner Kreditkarte veranlasst.
After the theft, I immediately initiated the blocking of my credit card.
Sentence structure in sports
In sports contexts, the duration or extent of a suspension is often expressed with the preposition 'für' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Foul erhielt der Kapitän eine Sperre für das nächste Spiel.
After the foul, the captain received a suspension for the next game.
Mental block
To describe a psychological block, 'Sperre' (block) is often combined with 'im Kopf' (in one's head). A very common compound is 'die Schreibsperre' (writer's block) for authors.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe im Moment eine totale Sperre im Kopf und kann keine kreativen Ideen finden.
Right now I have a total block in my head and can't find any creative ideas.
Compare with
Sperre vs Verbot
ban / prohibition
Das Verbot and die Sperre can both refer to an official exclusion from using something or taking part in an activity. Verbot mainly describes the rule that something is not allowed, whereas Sperre describes the concrete blocking or temporary exclusion. For an account or a sports penalty, „Sperre“ is usually more appropriate.
Sperre
Wegen des Regelverstoßes erhielt der Spieler eine Sperre für drei Spiele.
The player received a three-game suspension for breaking the rules.
Verbot
Das Verbot untersagt den Spielern, während des Spiels das Spielfeld zu verlassen.
The ban prohibits the players from leaving the field during the game.
In real life
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