German word

durchbrechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈdʊʁçˌbʁɛçən/

Meaning

  • verbbreak through

Example

Die Demonstranten durchbrachen die Absperrung.

The demonstrators broke through the barrier.

Illustration for durchbrechen (break through)

More examples

Sein Vortrag durchbrach ein Tabu.

His lecture broke a taboo.

Core concept

A blocked boundary gives way at one point, allowing movement from one side to the other or a result to exceed a previous ceiling.

Common phrases

  • durchbrechen ein Tabu

    break a taboo

  • durchbrechen die Blockade

    break through the blockade

  • durchbrechen die Mauer

    break through the wall

Similar words

unterbrechen: Stopping an ongoing process or activity before it is finished.
abbrechen: Ending a plan or activity before it is completed.
einbrechen: Forcing entry into a building using strength or tools.
zerbrechen: Breaking a solid object into pieces with great force.

Definition in German

Eine Sperre oder Grenze so durchbrechen, dass ein Durchgang möglich wird; übertragen: einen Rekord oder Widerstand überwinden.

Word origin

The compound verb joins durch ('through') and brechen ('break'), so its concrete meaning of breaking through also supports figurative uses for resistance and records.

Usage tips

  • The transitive verb has durchbricht and durchbrach, whereas the separate intransitive use can have bricht durch and ist durchgebrochen.

Other meanings

  • pierceverb
  • breachverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Durchbruchbreakthroughnoun
  • durchbrochenbreachedadjective

Word lists with this word