restraint / reluctance
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restraint
A way of behaving in which one consciously holds back, is cautious, and does not openly show one's opinions or feelings.
Trotz seiner inneren Wut bewahrte er äußerlich Zurückhaltung.
Despite his inner anger, he outwardly maintained restraint.
reluctance
A hesitant attitude or low willingness to do something, especially in an economic or political context.
Die Investoren zeigten aufgrund der unsicheren Lage eine deutliche Zurückhaltung.
Due to the uncertain situation, the investors showed clear reluctance.
'Zurückhaltung' (restraint/reluctance) is the noun formed from the verb 'sich zurückhalten' (to hold back). It describes the action or quality of 'zurückhalten' (holding back) oneself or one's feelings.
Er ist bekannt für seine Zurückhaltung in öffentlichen Debatten.
He is known for his restraint in public debates.
Common verbs used with 'Zurückhaltung' (restraint/reluctance) are 'üben' (to exercise), 'zeigen' (to show), and 'bewahren' (to maintain/preserve). These describe how someone deals with restraint.
In dieser Situation ist diplomatische Zurückhaltung gefragt.
In this situation, diplomatic restraint is called for.
The direction of the behavior is often expressed with 'gegenüber' + dative. The area in which one holds back is described with 'bei' + dative.
Er zeigte große Zurückhaltung gegenüber dem neuen Vorschlag.
He showed great reluctance toward the new proposal.
The economic or political meaning can often be recognized by words like 'Investoren' (investors), 'Konsumenten' (consumers), 'Märkte' (markets), or 'Nachfrage' (demand) in the same sentence.
Die Zurückhaltung der Verbraucher belastet die Wirtschaft.
Consumer reluctance is weighing on the economy.
shy
Zurückhaltung and scheu can both cause someone to speak little or not show themselves openly. Zurückhaltung can be deliberate and controlled, while scheu expresses more of a sense of insecurity or fear when dealing with others. Zurückhaltung is appropriate for deliberate silence, while scheu is more suitable for social insecurity.
Aus Zurückhaltung äußerte sie ihre Meinung in der Besprechung zunächst nicht.
Out of restraint, she initially did not express her opinion at the meeting.
Die scheue neue Schülerin sprach in der ersten Besprechung kaum.
The shy new student hardly spoke at the first meeting.
