Signification
To intentionally start an argument or conflict.
Contexte culturel
In the German Bundestag, 'einen Streit vom Zaun brechen' is a common accusation used to label an opponent's move as purely tactical rather than substantive. The 'Zaun' (fence) is a symbol of privacy and order. Breaking it is a serious metaphor for violating social norms. Headlines in newspapers like 'BILD' or 'Der Spiegel' often use this phrase to create drama around a new conflict. Germans value 'Sachlichkeit' (objectivity). Accusing someone of 'breaking a fight off the fence' is a way of saying they are being emotional and unprofessional.
Use it for 'Why?'
This phrase is most powerful when asking 'Why?' (Warum brichst du einen Streit vom Zaun?). It highlights the lack of a good reason.
Don't use for accidents
If you accidentally bump into someone and they get mad, don't say you 'brach a Streit vom Zaun'. It implies you did it on purpose.
Signification
To intentionally start an argument or conflict.
Use it for 'Why?'
This phrase is most powerful when asking 'Why?' (Warum brichst du einen Streit vom Zaun?). It highlights the lack of a good reason.
Don't use for accidents
If you accidentally bump into someone and they get mad, don't say you 'brach a Streit vom Zaun'. It implies you did it on purpose.
Political Context
If you are reading German news, look for this phrase. It's a key indicator of political commentary.
Teste-toi
Fülle die Lücke mit der richtigen Form von 'brechen'.
Er hat gestern ohne Grund einen Streit vom Zaun ______.
In the Perfekt tense with 'hat', we use the Partizip II 'gebrochen'.
Welcher Satz ist grammatikalisch richtig?
Wähle die richtige Option:
'Streit' needs the accusative 'einen' and the preposition is 'vom'.
Vervollständige den Dialog.
A: Warum schreit er so? B: Er will mal wieder einen ______ vom Zaun brechen.
The standard object for this idiom is 'Streit'.
In welcher Situation passt das Idiom?
Szenario: Jemand fängt absichtlich eine Diskussion an, um andere zu ärgern.
'Eis brechen' means to break the ice, 'Bein brechen' is to break a leg, and 'Schweigen brechen' is to break the silence.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEr hat gestern ohne Grund einen Streit vom Zaun ______.
In the Perfekt tense with 'hat', we use the Partizip II 'gebrochen'.
Wähle die richtige Option:
'Streit' needs the accusative 'einen' and the preposition is 'vom'.
A: Warum schreit er so? B: Er will mal wieder einen ______ vom Zaun brechen.
The standard object for this idiom is 'Streit'.
Szenario: Jemand fängt absichtlich eine Diskussion an, um andere zu ärgern.
'Eis brechen' means to break the ice, 'Bein brechen' is to break a leg, and 'Schweigen brechen' is to break the silence.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsThe phrase itself isn't rude, but it describes rude behavior. Using it to describe someone's actions is a form of criticism.
Yes, although it is more common for verbal arguments today. Historically, it was only for physical fights.
The plural is 'Streitigkeiten', but in this idiom, we almost always use the singular 'einen Streit'.
Yes, that is a very common and slightly more formal variation.
Yes, 'vom' (von dem) is the fixed preposition. You cannot use 'aus' or 'an'.
Expressions liées
einen {Streit|m} anzetteln
synonymTo instigate or plot a fight.
Händel suchen
similarTo look for quarrels.
auf {Krawall|m} gebürstet sein
similarTo be in a mood for a fight.
Öl ins {Feuer|n} gießen
builds onTo add fuel to the fire.
den {Frieden|m} wahren
contrastTo maintain the peace.
