German word

unterbrechen

Pronunciation

IPA/ʊntɐˈbrɛçn̩/

Meaning

  • verbinterrupt

Example

Bitte unterbrich mich nicht.

Please don't interrupt me.

Illustration for unterbrechen (interrupt)

More examples

Der Moderator unterbrach die Diskussion wegen eines Stromausfalls.

The moderator interrupted the discussion because of a power outage.

Core concept

A moving line is cut at one point by an interruption, leaving two parts that can reconnect when the action resumes.

Common phrases

  • jemanden unterbrechen

    interrupt someone

  • die Diskussion unterbrechen

    interrupt the discussion

  • ein Gespräch kurz unterbrechen

    briefly interrupt a conversation

Similar words

dazwischenreden: To start speaking during someone else's turn in a conversation.
ins Wort fallen: To speak before someone has finished, cutting off their words.
einwerfen: To add a brief remark or comment during a conversation.
stören: To disturb someone's attention or concentration and hinder an activity.

Definition in German

Jemanden oder etwas während einer Handlung oder eines Gesprächs vorübergehend stoppen, sodass der Ablauf unterbrochen wird.

Word origin

German formed unterbrechen from unter- and brechen, with the compound expressing a break inserted into an ongoing action.

Usage tips

  • The interrupted person or activity is usually an accusative object, as in 'Sie unterbricht den Redner' or 'Das Telefon unterbricht die Arbeit'.

Other meanings

  • pauseverb

Opposites

  • fortfahrencontinueverb
  • weiterredencontinue talkingverb

Related words

Word lists with this word