German word

Unterbrechung

Pronunciation

IPA/ˌʊntɐˈbrɛçʊŋ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounbreak

Example

Die Unterbrechung dauerte nur kurz.

The break lasted only a short time.

Illustration for Unterbrechung (break)

More examples

Während der Präsentation kam es zu einer unerwarteten Unterbrechung.

During the presentation, an unexpected interruption occurred.

Core concept

A conversation, activity, or connection is cut for a short time and then can resume.

Common phrases

  • die Unterbrechung des Gesprächs

    interruption of the conversation

  • geplante Unterbrechung

    planned interruption

Similar words

Pause: A brief pause in the flow of work or conversation.
Abbruch: An activity or process brought to a complete end midway.
Störung: A fault that interferes with normal machine or communication function.
Ausfall: A sudden failure that makes a function or service unavailable.

Definition in German

ein Ereignis, das den Ablauf vorübergehend stoppt

Word origin

"Unterbrechung" is formed from "unterbrechen" and the noun-forming suffix "-ung", while "unterbrechen" contains "brechen", the Germanic verb for breaking.

Usage tips

  • "Unterbrechung" usually suggests a temporary stop, whereas "Abbruch" commonly suggests that an activity is ended rather than resumed.

Other meanings

  • pausenoun
  • disconnectionnoun
  • interruptionnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word