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.
'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.
caution
'die Vorsicht' and 'die Zurückhaltung' both describe cautious behavior. 'Vorsicht' fits especially when you want to avoid dangers, risks, or mistakes. It is about acting attentively and safely. 'Zurückhaltung' fits more when someone does not speak right away, does not clearly show their opinion, or hesitates over a decision. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with cautious behavior. As a simple guide: 'Vorsicht' protects against danger, while 'Zurückhaltung' holds back one's own behavior or opinion.
Paula sagt ihre Meinung nur mit Zurückhaltung, weil sie keinen Streit möchte.
Paula gives her opinion only with restraint because she does not want an argument.
Lukas fährt bei Regen mit besonderer Vorsicht, weil die Straße glatt ist.
Lukas drives with particular caution in the rain because the road is slippery.