brechen
/ˈbʁɛçən/
The German verb for 'break' is brechen. Wiktionary also lists zerbrechen.
Meaning: transitive: to separate into (to cause to end up in) two or more pieces (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| brechen | /ˈbʁɛçən/ |
| zerbrechen | [tsɐˈbʁɛçn̩] (narrow) [tsɐˈbʁɛçən] (narrow) |
The verb brechen means to separate something into two or more pieces. It is used in various contexts, such as breaking a heart, a neck or a promise. You can also use the idiom das Eis brechen to mean 'to break the ice', which describes easing tension or starting a conversation. Other related concepts include Ausbruch for an act of escaping and Anbruch for the beginning of the morning.
Which one should you use?
While brechen is the general term for breaking, zerbrechen is used specifically to emphasize the result of an object being shattered or broken into many small pieces.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The simple past form of brechen is brach, and the past participle is gebrochen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbʁɛçən/
Did you know?
- While brechen can describe a broken promise, Germans also use the verb brechen to describe the act of vomiting in a medical or informal context.
- In German, you can brechen a record, but if you 'break' a rule, you often use the word verstoßen instead of brechen.
- The word Ausbruch can mean a volcanic eruption, a sudden emotional outburst, or a prison escape, all stemming from the idea of 'breaking out'.
Examples in context
- Das wird ihr das Herz brechen.It's going to break her heart.This sentence shows how to use brechen in the context of emotional heartbreak.Tatoeba #7255122 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2916394 by Hybrid
- Du wirst dir das Genick brechen.You'll break your neck.This sentence demonstrates the use of brechen regarding physical injury.Tatoeba #10000634 by wolfgangth, translation #8741998 by deniko
- Man darf nicht sein Wort brechen.One must not break one's promise.This sentence illustrates the use of brechen when talking about breaking a promise.Tatoeba #2164319 by freddy1, translation #2164332 by freddy1
- Ich muss eine Pause machen.I need to take a break.
- Wir hatten eine Unterbrechung im Gespräch.We experienced a break in the conversation.
- Es ist Zeit für eine kurze Ruhepause.It's time for a short break to relax.
- Lass uns eine Pause machen und einen Kaffee trinken.Let's take a break for a coffee.
- Ich brauche eine kurze Verschnaufpause.I need a short break to catch my breath.
- Ich plane eine Auszeit von der Arbeit zu nehmen.I'm planning to take a break from work.
- Ich brauche eine Pause zwischen den Meetings.I need a break between meetings.
- Lass uns eine Pause machen und frische Luft schnappen.Let's take a break and enjoy some fresh air.
- Er machte eine Pause vom Studium, um zu reisen.He took a break from his studies to travel.
- 51 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Sarah are cleaning up in the kitchen.
- JulianPass auf, dass du das Glas nicht brechen wirst!Be careful not to break the glass!
- SarahKeine Sorge, ich bin vorsichtig.Don't worry, I'm being careful.
- JulianDu wirst es brechen, wenn du so schnell arbeitest.You will break it if you work so fast.
- SarahIch werde nichts brechen, Julian.I won't break anything, Julian.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “break” translations and entries brechen, zerbrechen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
