Cette page dans ta langue

English

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 verb #2,000 le plus courant 13 min de lecture

brechen

Top 2,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces brechen en 30 secondes

Explication brechen in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic and concrete meanings of the verb brechen. While it is a strong verb and therefore slightly more complex to conjugate than regular verbs, its high frequency in everyday situations makes it an essential early vocabulary acquisition. Beginners first learn brechen in the context of physical objects. For example, understanding how to say that something is broken or that someone breaks an item is fundamental. The focus is primarily on the present tense. Students learn the conjugation: ich breche, du brichst, er/sie/es bricht, wir brechen, ihr brecht, sie/Sie brechen. The vowel change from e to i in the second and third person singular is a key grammatical point that teachers emphasize, as it introduces the concept of stem-changing verbs in German. At this stage, vocabulary is kept simple. Learners might practice sentences like Ich breche das Brot (I break the bread) or Das Glas bricht (The glass breaks). The secondary meaning of vomiting is also introduced at this level due to its practical necessity. If a learner travels to a German-speaking country and falls ill, knowing how to say Ich muss brechen (I need to vomit) is crucial for communicating a medical need. However, abstract meanings, such as breaking a promise or a law, are generally avoided at the A1 level, as they require a more advanced understanding of vocabulary and sentence structure. Teachers often use visual aids, such as pictures of broken objects or mimes of feeling sick, to reinforce these dual basic meanings. Practice exercises typically involve simple fill-in-the-blank questions focusing on the correct present tense conjugation or matching the verb to appropriate nouns like Brot, Glas, or Bein. By the end of the A1 level, a student should feel confident recognizing the verb brechen in simple texts and using it to describe basic physical actions or a feeling of nausea. This foundational knowledge sets the stage for understanding the more complex prefix verbs and abstract usages that will be introduced in subsequent proficiency levels. The emphasis remains heavily on practical, immediate communication needs rather than nuanced linguistic analysis. Repetition is vital here. Students should practice the conjugation daily until the vowel shift becomes second nature. Flashcards pairing the verb with common objects can significantly aid memory retention. Ultimately, mastering brechen at the A1 level provides a solid stepping stone for future language acquisition.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Progressing to the A2 level, learners expand their understanding of brechen by incorporating past tenses and slightly more complex sentence structures. The primary focus shifts from merely recognizing the present tense to actively using the perfect tense (Perfekt) to describe events that have already happened. Students learn the past participle gebrochen and must master the crucial distinction between using haben and sein as auxiliary verbs. This is a significant grammatical hurdle. They learn that transitive actions require haben (e.g., Ich habe den Stock gebrochen), while intransitive changes of state require sein (e.g., Der Stock ist gebrochen). This dual nature of the verb provides excellent practice for understanding German syntax and auxiliary verb rules. At the A2 level, the vocabulary surrounding brechen also expands. Students begin to talk about injuries more specifically, learning the dative reflexive construction for broken bones: Ich habe mir das Bein gebrochen. This idiomatic phrasing is essential for everyday conversations about health and accidents. The meaning of vomiting is reinforced, often introducing the reflexive alternative sich übergeben as a polite synonym. While abstract meanings are still not the primary focus, simple metaphorical uses might be introduced, such as breaking a rule in a classroom setting. Reading comprehension exercises at this level will feature short stories or dialogues where objects break or people get hurt, requiring the student to identify the correct tense and meaning from context. Writing exercises encourage students to recount past events, such as a minor accident or a time they were sick, utilizing the perfect tense of brechen. The simple past (Präteritum) form brach might be recognized in reading, but active production is usually reserved for higher levels. By mastering the perfect tense and the dative reflexive usage, A2 learners significantly enhance their ability to narrate past experiences and describe their physical well-being. This level bridges the gap between basic present-tense statements and the more nuanced, descriptive language required for B1 and beyond. Consistent practice with both transitive and intransitive examples is key to solidifying these concepts.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the B1 level, the understanding and application of brechen deepen significantly, marking a transition from basic physical descriptions to more abstract and nuanced communication. This is the level where learners are expected to handle a wider range of topics, including social rules, relationships, and more complex narratives. Consequently, the abstract meanings of brechen become a central focus. Students learn to use the verb in contexts such as breaking a promise (ein Versprechen brechen), breaking the law (das Gesetz brechen), or breaking a contract (einen Vertrag brechen). This expands their vocabulary into legal, ethical, and professional domains. The simple past tense (Präteritum) form brach is actively practiced, especially in written German, allowing students to tell stories or report on events more formally. Furthermore, B1 introduces a crucial aspect of German vocabulary building: separable and inseparable prefix verbs derived from brechen. Learners encounter verbs like abbrechen (to cancel/break off), unterbrechen (to interrupt), and zusammenbrechen (to collapse). Understanding how these prefixes modify the core meaning of brechen is essential for comprehension and expression at this intermediate stage. The grammatical rules for separable prefixes must be applied correctly in both present and past tenses. In terms of the medical meaning, B1 students are expected to comfortably navigate doctor appointments, using precise language to describe fractures or severe nausea, differentiating between brechen and other symptoms. Idiomatic expressions also begin to appear, such as jemandem das Herz brechen (to break someone heart), adding emotional depth to their language skills. Practice exercises at this level involve more complex reading passages, such as news articles reporting on broken treaties or stories involving emotional heartbreak. Writing tasks might require students to express their opinion on someone breaking a rule or to write a formal email canceling an appointment (abbrechen). By the end of B1, brechen is no longer just a word for a broken stick; it is a versatile tool for discussing rules, relationships, interruptions, and physical states, demonstrating a solid intermediate command of the German language.

Reaching the B2 level signifies a high degree of independence and fluency, and the use of brechen reflects this advanced capability. At this stage, learners are expected to use the verb and its many derivatives with precision, nuance, and grammatical accuracy in both spontaneous speech and formal writing. The focus shifts heavily towards the extensive family of prefix verbs. Students must effortlessly distinguish between and correctly utilize verbs like aufbrechen (to set off/break open), ausbrechen (to break out/erupt), einbrechen (to break in/collapse), and durchbrechen (to break through). These verbs are essential for discussing complex topics such as crime (einbrechen), natural disasters (ausbrechen), or scientific discoveries (durchbrechen). The metaphorical and idiomatic uses of brechen are fully integrated into the learner vocabulary. They can discuss breaking a record (einen Rekord brechen), breaking the silence (das Schweigen brechen), or breaking a habit (eine Gewohnheit brechen). In formal contexts, such as academic writing or professional presentations, B2 learners use brechen to articulate complex arguments about violating norms or breaching agreements. The passive voice is frequently employed with brechen at this level, requiring mastery of structures like Das Gesetz wurde gebrochen (The law was broken). Furthermore, learners refine their understanding of register, knowing exactly when to use sich erbrechen versus brechen or übergeben depending on the formality of the situation. Reading comprehension involves analyzing complex texts, such as literature or advanced journalistic pieces, where brechen might be used in highly stylized or poetic ways. Listening exercises include fast-paced news reports or debates where prefix verbs are used rapidly. Writing tasks demand the ability to construct sophisticated sentences using various forms of brechen to convey precise meanings. By mastering these advanced applications, B2 learners demonstrate their ability to manipulate the German language effectively, using brechen not just to describe physical reality, but to navigate abstract concepts, complex narratives, and professional discourse with confidence and accuracy.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, near-native command of the language, and their use of brechen is characterized by high precision, stylistic awareness, and a deep understanding of idiomatic and literary contexts. The focus is no longer on basic grammar or primary meanings, but rather on the subtle nuances and the vast array of compound words and expressions associated with the verb. C1 learners effortlessly deploy highly specific prefix verbs such as umbrechen (to format/wrap text), verabrechen (to arrange - though less common, related roots exist), or zerbrechen (to shatter completely, often used metaphorically for mental breakdowns). They understand the subtle difference between brechen and zerbrechen, knowing that the latter implies a total, irreparable destruction. Idiomatic mastery is expected; phrases like eine Lanze für jemanden brechen (to stand up for someone) or gebrochenes Deutsch sprechen (to speak broken German) are used naturally in conversation. In academic and professional settings, C1 users employ nominalized forms such as der Bruch (the break/fraction) or der Vertragsbruch (breach of contract) to construct highly formal and precise arguments. They can analyze literary texts where brechen is used to symbolize psychological trauma or societal collapse. The ability to understand and produce complex passive structures, subjunctive moods (Konjunktiv II), and extended participial phrases involving brechen is second nature. For example, they can easily construct sentences like Hätte er das Gesetz nicht gebrochen, wäre er jetzt frei. Furthermore, C1 learners are acutely aware of regional variations and highly specific jargon, such as the use of brechen in optics (light refraction - Brechung) or mathematics (fractions - Bruchrechnung). Their vocabulary is expansive enough to choose the perfect synonym—whether it be zerschmettern, zersplittern, or reißen—based on the exact physical or emotional context. Ultimately, at the C1 level, brechen is a fully integrated component of a sophisticated linguistic repertoire, used with the finesse and accuracy of a well-educated native speaker.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

The C2 level represents mastery and near-native fluency, where the learner understanding of brechen encompasses the entirety of its linguistic, cultural, and historical depth. At this pinnacle of language acquisition, the user navigates the most obscure, literary, and highly specialized applications of the verb without hesitation. C2 learners can effortlessly comprehend and utilize archaic or poetic forms found in classical German literature, understanding how the usage of brechen has evolved over centuries. They are adept at recognizing and employing highly complex, multi-layered metaphors where breaking signifies profound philosophical or existential shifts. In highly specialized fields such as law, physics, or medicine, they use the exact terminology derived from brechen with absolute precision. For instance, discussing the refraction of light (Lichtbrechung) in a physics seminar or detailing a complex contractual breach (Vertragsbruch) in a legal negotiation. They master the most subtle idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, seamlessly integrating them into rapid, spontaneous speech. A C2 user understands the rhythmic and rhetorical impact of using brechen in public speaking or creative writing, employing it to create tension, emphasize a point, or evoke a specific emotional response. They can play with the language, perhaps creating novel metaphors based on the concept of breaking that still sound perfectly natural to a native ear. The distinction between the myriad of prefix verbs is intuitive; they know exactly when a situation calls for abbrechen versus unterbrechen versus wegbrechen, even in the most ambiguous contexts. Furthermore, they possess a deep sociolinguistic awareness, knowing exactly which register to employ—from the most vulgar slang for vomiting to the most elevated, clinical terminology—depending on the social setting and audience. At the C2 level, brechen is not just a vocabulary word; it is a conceptual tool that the learner wields with complete freedom, demonstrating a profound and comprehensive mastery of the German language in all its complexity and richness.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

brechen en 30 secondes

To break an object.
To fracture a bone.
To break a promise/law.
To vomit.

The German verb brechen is an incredibly versatile and fundamental vocabulary word that every learner must master to achieve fluency. At its core, brechen translates to the English verb to break, encompassing a wide array of physical and abstract applications. When we discuss physical objects, brechen refers to the act of shattering, snapping, or fracturing something into multiple pieces. For example, you might break a wooden stick, a fragile piece of glass, or a crusty loaf of bread during a meal. This physical breaking is a common everyday occurrence, making the verb indispensable for daily communication.

Physical Breaking: Refers to the shattering or snapping of tangible objects like wood, glass, or plastic.

In medical contexts, brechen is frequently employed to describe the fracturing of bones. If someone experiences an accident and fractures their leg, they would use this verb.

Er hat sich das Bein gebrochen.

Beyond the physical realm, brechen takes on profound abstract meanings. It is used to articulate the violation or breaching of rules, laws, promises, and agreements. When a person fails to uphold a commitment, they break their word.

Abstract Breaking: The violation of intangible concepts such as laws, promises, oaths, or general rules of conduct.

This metaphorical usage is deeply ingrained in the language and is vital for navigating complex social, legal, and ethical discussions.

Sie würde niemals ein Versprechen brechen.

Furthermore, brechen possesses another distinct and highly specific meaning: to vomit or throw up. This biological function is a critical meaning to grasp, particularly in medical emergencies or when discussing health and illness.

Mir ist so schlecht, ich muss brechen.

While often used reflexively as sich erbrechen in formal or clinical settings, the standalone verb brechen is universally understood in colloquial speech to mean vomiting. Understanding these dual primary meanings is paramount for any German learner aiming for proficiency. The verb belongs to the category of strong verbs, meaning it undergoes a stem vowel change during conjugation.

Conjugation Note: The stem vowel changes from e to i in the second and third person singular present tense.

In the present tense, it becomes bricht, in the simple past it is brach, and the past participle is gebrochen.

Das Glas bricht leicht.

This irregularity requires dedicated memorization and practice. Additionally, brechen serves as the root for numerous separable and inseparable prefix verbs, such as abbrechen, unterbrechen, and zerbrechen.

Wir müssen das Projekt abbrechen.

Each prefix subtly alters the core meaning, expanding the learner vocabulary exponentially. By mastering brechen and its derivatives, students unlock a vast portion of expressive capability in German. The verb prevalence in literature, news media, and daily conversation underscores its importance. Whether you are reading a classic novel, listening to a news report about a broken treaty, or simply chatting with a friend about a broken phone, brechen will inevitably appear. Therefore, dedicating time to fully comprehend its various applications, grammatical nuances, and associated vocabulary is a highly rewarding endeavor for anyone on the path to German fluency. To further elaborate on the importance of this verb, consider its role in idiomatic expressions. German is rich with idioms that utilize the concept of breaking to convey deep emotional or situational truths. For instance, the phrase jemandem das Herz brechen translates directly to to break someone heart, mirroring the English idiom perfectly. This emotional resonance adds another dimension to the verb, moving it beyond mere physical destruction or biological reactions into the realm of human relationships and feelings. Recognizing these idiomatic structures is essential for achieving a natural, native-like command of the language. In conclusion, the journey to mastering brechen is a comprehensive exercise in understanding German vocabulary, grammar, and cultural expression.

Understanding how to use the German verb brechen correctly requires a deep dive into its grammatical properties, particularly its conjugation patterns and syntactical behaviors. As a strong verb, brechen does not follow the predictable rules of regular weak verbs, making it a critical point of study for learners. In the present tense, the stem vowel e changes to i for the second and third person singular. This means you say ich breche, but du brichst and er/sie/es bricht.

Present Tense: The vowel shift is crucial: ich breche, du brichst, er bricht, wir brechen, ihr brecht, sie brechen.

This vowel mutation is a hallmark of many strong German verbs and must be memorized.

Er bricht das Brot in zwei Teile.

Moving to the past tense, the simple past or Präteritum form is brach. This form is frequently encountered in written German, such as in literature, news articles, and formal reports.

Simple Past: The stem changes entirely to 'brach' for all persons, e.g., ich brach, du brachst.

For spoken German, the perfect tense or Perfekt is much more common. The past participle of brechen is gebrochen, and it is conjugated with the auxiliary verb haben when used transitively.

Ich habe das Fenster gebrochen.

However, when brechen is used intransitively to describe a change of state, such as a branch breaking on its own, it takes the auxiliary verb sein. This dual auxiliary usage is a common stumbling block for learners but is essential for grammatical accuracy.

Der Ast ist im Sturm gebrochen.

Another vital aspect of using brechen is understanding its reflexive forms, particularly in medical contexts. When someone breaks a bone, the construction is often reflexive with a dative pronoun. For example, Ich habe mir den Arm gebrochen literally translates to I have broken the arm to myself.

Reflexive Usage: Use a dative reflexive pronoun when indicating which body part you broke.

This structure is highly idiomatic and differs significantly from the English equivalent.

Sie hat sich das Handgelenk gebrochen.

Furthermore, when using brechen to mean vomiting, it can be used standalone or reflexively as sich erbrechen. The standalone version is more colloquial, while the reflexive version is preferred in formal or medical settings. Beyond these core usages, brechen is a prolific base for compound verbs. Adding prefixes drastically alters the meaning. Abbrechen means to cancel, unterbrechen means to interrupt, and zusammenbrechen means to collapse.

Bitte unterbrechen Sie mich nicht.

Mastering these prefixes is a key strategy for expanding your vocabulary efficiently. Each prefixed verb maintains the strong conjugation pattern of the root verb brechen, meaning once you know how to conjugate brechen, you automatically know how to conjugate dozens of other useful verbs. This interconnectedness is a beautiful feature of the German language. By practicing the present tense vowel shifts, the simple past forms, the correct auxiliary verbs for the perfect tense, and the various prefix combinations, learners can confidently integrate brechen into their active vocabulary. Consistent practice with sentence building and listening to native speakers will solidify these grammatical rules, ensuring that the verb is used naturally and accurately in any conversational or written context.

The verb brechen permeates various facets of German life, making it a word you will encounter in numerous distinct contexts. One of the most common environments where you will hear this verb is in medical or health-related situations. Hospitals, clinics, and doctors offices are prime locations for its usage. When patients arrive with injuries, discussing broken bones is inevitable.

Medical Context: Used extensively by doctors and patients to describe fractures and physical trauma.

You will frequently hear phrases involving the dative reflexive structure to specify which bone has been fractured.

Der Patient hat sich den Knöchel gebrochen.

Additionally, in these same medical settings or during times of illness at home, the secondary meaning of vomiting is highly prevalent. Parents discussing a sick child, or individuals describing food poisoning, will rely on brechen to communicate nausea and sickness. Moving away from healthcare, the legal and political spheres also heavily utilize brechen. In news broadcasts, courtrooms, and political debates, the abstract meaning of breaking laws, treaties, or agreements is a staple of formal discourse.

Legal and Political: Describes the violation of contracts, international laws, or formal agreements.

Journalists frequently report on individuals or nations that break the rules.

Der Politiker hat sein Versprechen gebrochen.

This usage highlights the severity and formal weight the verb can carry. Furthermore, in everyday domestic life, brechen is used to describe the accidental destruction of household items. If a glass shatters in the kitchen or a chair leg snaps, this verb is the go-to descriptor.

Pass auf, das dünne Holz bricht sofort.

It is also deeply embedded in emotional and romantic contexts. Literature, poetry, and pop music are filled with references to broken hearts.

Emotional Context: Used metaphorically to describe profound sadness, specifically a broken heart.

When a relationship ends, the idiom jemandem das Herz brechen is universally understood and frequently employed.

Seine Worte haben ihr das Herz gebrochen.

Beyond these specific areas, the prefix derivatives of brechen are heard everywhere. In a business meeting, someone might unterbrechen (interrupt) a colleague. During a storm, a connection might abbrechen (disconnect). If a building is old, it might zusammenbrechen (collapse). The sheer ubiquity of brechen and its related forms means that active listening in almost any German environment will yield examples of its use. Whether you are watching a dramatic television series, reading a formal legal document, or simply eavesdropping on a conversation at a cafe, the sounds of bricht, brach, and gebrochen will undoubtedly reach your ears. This widespread presence underscores why achieving a comprehensive understanding of this verb is not just an academic exercise, but a practical necessity for anyone seeking to navigate the German-speaking world effectively. By paying attention to these diverse contexts, learners can develop a more intuitive grasp of when and how to deploy this essential piece of vocabulary.

When learning the German verb brechen, students frequently encounter several common pitfalls that can hinder effective communication. One of the most prevalent mistakes involves the conjugation of this strong verb in the present tense. Because it undergoes a stem vowel change, many beginners incorrectly apply regular conjugation rules.

Conjugation Error: Failing to change the 'e' to 'i' in the second and third person singular.

It is very common to hear learners say er brecht instead of the correct er bricht.

Falsch: Er brecht. Richtig: Er bricht.

This error immediately marks the speaker as a novice and can sometimes cause momentary confusion. Another major area of difficulty is the choice of auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. As previously mentioned, brechen can take either haben or sein depending on whether it is used transitively or intransitively. Learners often default to haben for everything, leading to incorrect sentences like Das Glas hat gebrochen instead of the correct Das Glas ist gebrochen.

Auxiliary Verb Confusion: Using 'haben' when the intransitive 'sein' is required for a change of state.

Der Zweig ist im Wind gebrochen.

Furthermore, English speakers frequently misuse brechen when they actually mean kaputt machen (to break/destroy). While brechen refers to snapping or fracturing, kaputt machen is a more general term for breaking a machine, a toy, or an electronic device. You would not say Ich habe mein Handy gebrochen; you would say Ich habe mein Handy kaputt gemacht.

Mein Computer ist kaputt, nicht gebrochen.

This semantic distinction is crucial for sounding natural. Additionally, the reflexive construction used for breaking bones is often translated too literally from English. An English speaker might say Mein Bein ist gebrochen, which is grammatically acceptable but less idiomatic than the preferred Ich habe mir das Bein gebrochen.

Literal Translation: Failing to use the dative reflexive pronoun when discussing personal injuries.

Ich habe mir den Arm gebrochen.

Lastly, confusion arises with the meaning of vomiting. Learners might use inappropriate synonyms like kotzen in formal situations, not realizing that kotzen is highly vulgar slang, whereas brechen or sich erbrechen is the polite and medically appropriate terminology. By being aware of these common mistakes—conjugation errors, auxiliary verb mix-ups, semantic confusion with kaputt machen, literal translations of injuries, and register mismatches with vomiting—learners can significantly improve their accuracy and confidence. Targeted practice focusing on these specific problem areas will help solidify the correct usage of brechen in all its various forms and contexts, paving the way for more fluent and natural-sounding German.

Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of breaking involves understanding the nuances of several words similar to brechen. While brechen is the most general term for fracturing or snapping, German offers a rich array of synonyms and related verbs that provide more specific descriptions of destruction or separation. One of the most common alternatives is kaputt machen.

Kaputt machen: A highly versatile, colloquial phrase meaning to break, ruin, or destroy, especially machines or complex items.

As discussed in the common mistakes section, kaputt machen is used for electronics, toys, and general items that stop functioning, whereas brechen implies a physical fracture.

Er hat das Radio kaputt gemacht.

Another closely related word is reißen, which translates to to tear or to snap. Reißen is typically used for materials that are under tension, such as strings, ropes, paper, or fabric. If a guitar string breaks, it reißt; it does not bricht.

Der Faden ist gerissen.

For objects that are split or cleaved, such as wood being chopped, the verb spalten is appropriate.

Spalten: To split or cleave, often used with wood or abstractly with groups of people.

This implies a clean division along a grain or fault line, unlike the more chaotic shattering implied by brechen.

Er spaltet das Holz für das Feuer.

When dealing with something that is bent until it gives way, but perhaps not entirely separated into two pieces, knicken is the perfect verb. It means to fold, crease, or buckle.

Knicken: To bend sharply or buckle, often used for paper, thin branches, or metaphorically for losing confidence.

Bitte das Papier nicht knicken.

For extreme destruction, where an object is smashed into many pieces, zerschlagen or zerschmettern are highly evocative synonyms. These verbs carry a sense of violent force.

Der Teller wurde in tausend Stücke zerschmettert.

Regarding the secondary meaning of vomiting, there are several synonyms with varying registers. As mentioned, sich erbrechen is the formal, medical term. Übergeben (sich übergeben) is another highly common and polite alternative that is frequently used in everyday speech. On the other end of the spectrum, kotzen is the vulgar, slang term equivalent to puking or barfing, and should be used with caution. By familiarizing yourself with these similar words—kaputt machen, reißen, spalten, knicken, zerschlagen, and the various terms for vomiting—you can communicate with much greater precision and nuance. Choosing the exact right verb for the specific type of breaking or sickness demonstrates a high level of language proficiency and ensures your meaning is conveyed exactly as intended.

How Formal Is It?

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Strong verb conjugation (vowel shift e to i)

Perfect tense auxiliary verbs (haben vs sein)

Reflexive verbs with dative pronouns (sich das Bein brechen)

Separable and inseparable prefixes

Passive voice (Das Gesetz wurde gebrochen)

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

Ich breche das Brot.

I break the bread.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Das Glas bricht.

The glass breaks.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Note the vowel change e to i.

Er bricht den Stock.

He breaks the stick.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Wir brechen die Schokolade.

We break the chocolate.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Mir ist schlecht, ich muss brechen.

I feel sick, I have to vomit.

Infinitive used with the modal verb 'müssen'.

Bricht das Plastik?

Does the plastic break?

Question form, 3rd person singular.

Sie brechen das Eis.

They break the ice.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Du brichst den Keks.

You break the cookie.

Present tense, 2nd person singular. Vowel change e to i.

Ich habe das Fenster gebrochen.

I broke the window.

Perfect tense with auxiliary 'haben' (transitive).

Der Ast ist gebrochen.

The branch broke.

Perfect tense with auxiliary 'sein' (intransitive change of state).

Er hat sich das Bein gebrochen.

He broke his leg.

Perfect tense, reflexive with dative pronoun 'sich'.

Hast du dir den Arm gebrochen?

Did you break your arm?

Question in perfect tense, reflexive dative 'dir'.

Das Kind hat gestern gebrochen.

The child vomited yesterday.

Perfect tense meaning to vomit.

Wir haben das alte Holz gebrochen.

We broke the old wood.

Perfect tense, 1st person plural.

Der Stuhl ist plötzlich gebrochen.

The chair broke suddenly.

Perfect tense with 'sein'.

Sie hat den Teller gebrochen.

She broke the plate.

Perfect tense, 3rd person singular.

Er würde niemals ein Versprechen brechen.

He would never break a promise.

Abstract usage with 'Versprechen'. Conditional 'würde'.

Sie haben das Gesetz gebrochen.

They broke the law.

Abstract usage with 'Gesetz' in perfect tense.

Wir müssen das Projekt abbrechen.

We have to cancel the project.

Separable prefix verb 'abbrechen' in infinitive.

Bitte unterbrechen Sie mich nicht.

Please do not interrupt me.

Inseparable prefix verb 'unterbrechen' in imperative.

Der Dieb brach in das Haus ein.

The thief broke into the house.

Simple past (Präteritum) of separable verb 'einbrechen'.

Mein Herz ist gebrochen.

My heart is broken.

Idiomatic expression using perfect tense/adjective.

Der Vertrag wurde gestern gebrochen.

The contract was broken yesterday.

Passive voice in simple past.

Ich habe mir den Zeh gebrochen.

I broke my toe.

Reflexive dative structure for body parts.

Die Verhandlungen wurden unerwartet abgebrochen.

The negotiations were unexpectedly broken off.

Passive voice with separable prefix verb 'abbrechen'.

Er brach in Tränen aus, als er die Nachricht hörte.

He burst into tears when he heard the news.

Idiom 'in Tränen ausbrechen' in simple past.

Das alte System droht zusammenzubrechen.

The old system is threatening to collapse.

Infinitive with 'zu' using separable verb 'zusammenbrechen'.

Sie hat den Weltrekord im Schwimmen gebrochen.

She broke the world record in swimming.

Collocation 'einen Rekord brechen'.

Wir müssen das Schweigen endlich brechen.

We must finally break the silence.

Idiomatic phrase 'das Schweigen brechen'.

Die Wellen brechen sich an den Klippen.

The waves break against the cliffs.

Reflexive usage for waves breaking.

Er spricht nur gebrochenes Deutsch.

He only speaks broken German.

Past participle used as an adjective.

Der Vulkan ist gestern Nacht ausgebrochen.

The volcano erupted last night.

Perfect tense of 'ausbrechen' with auxiliary 'sein'.

Er brach eine Lanze für seinen umstrittenen Kollegen.

He stood up for his controversial colleague.

Advanced idiom 'eine Lanze für jemanden brechen'.

Der Text muss hier umbrochen werden, um das Layout zu retten.

The text must be wrapped here to save the layout.

Specialized vocabulary 'umbrechen' (to wrap text).

Ihre Stimme brach vor lauter Emotionen.

Her voice broke from sheer emotion.

Metaphorical use of simple past 'brach'.

Der Widerstand der feindlichen Truppen wurde gebrochen.

The resistance of the enemy troops was broken.

Formal passive construction.

Licht wird gebrochen, wenn es durch ein Prisma fällt.

Light is refracted when it passes through a prism.

Scientific context, passive voice.

Dieser Skandal könnte der Regierung das Genick brechen.

This scandal could break the government's neck (ruin it).

Strong idiom 'jemandem das Genick brechen'.

Sie ist an den hohen Erwartungen fast zerbrochen.

She almost broke under the high expectations.

Prefix verb 'zerbrechen' used metaphorically for mental state.

Ein offener Bruch des Völkerrechts ist inakzeptabel.

An open breach of international law is unacceptable.

Nominalization 'der Bruch' in a legal context.

Die Dämmerung brach an und tauchte die Landschaft in fahles Licht.

Dawn broke, bathing the landscape in pale light.

Literary use of 'anbrechen' in simple past.

Sein unbändiger Wille war nicht zu brechen, selbst in dunkelster Stunde.

His indomitable will could not be broken, even in the darkest hour.

Infinitive construction 'nicht zu brechen' acting as an adjective.

Der eklatante Vertragsbruch zog weitreichende juristische Konsequenzen nach sich.

The blatant breach of contract entailed far-reaching legal consequences.

Complex nominalization 'Vertragsbruch' in formal register.

Die Brechung der Lichtwellen an der Grenzfläche ist ein physikalisches Grundprinzip.

The refraction of light waves at the interface is a fundamental physical principle.

Highly specialized scientific noun 'Brechung'.

Mit diesem revolutionären Ansatz hat sie mit allen bisherigen Konventionen gebrochen.

With this revolutionary approach, she broke with all previous conventions.

Abstract concept 'mit Konventionen brechen'.

Der alte Mann wirkte gebrochen, gezeichnet von den Jahren der Entbehrung.

The old man appeared broken, marked by years of hardship.

Participle 'gebrochen' used as a profound psychological adjective.

Die Koalition droht an dieser unüberwindbaren Differenz zu zerbrechen.

The coalition threatens to shatter over this insurmountable difference.

'Zerbrechen' used for the dissolution of a political alliance.

Es bricht mir das Herz, zusehen zu müssen, wie dieses Kulturgut verfällt.

It breaks my heart to have to watch this cultural heritage decay.

Complex sentence structure with an idiomatic expression.

Collocations courantes

ein Versprechen brechen

das Gesetz brechen

sich das Bein brechen

das Schweigen brechen

das Eis brechen

einen Rekord brechen

in Tränen ausbrechen

den Vertrag brechen

das Herz brechen

die Regeln brechen

Phrases Courantes

Ich habe mir das Bein gebrochen.

Er bricht sein Wort nicht.

Mir ist schlecht, ich muss brechen.

Das Eis ist gebrochen.

Regeln sind da, um gebrochen zu werden.

Sie hat ihm das Herz gebrochen.

Das bricht mir das Herz.

Der Ast bricht ab.

Die Verbindung ist abgebrochen.

Der Vulkan bricht aus.

Souvent confondu avec

brechen vs kaputt machen

brechen vs reißen

brechen vs kotzen

Expressions idiomatiques

"jemandem das Herz brechen"

"das Eis brechen"

"eine Lanze für jemanden brechen"

"jemandem das Genick brechen"

"mit etwas brechen"

"in Tränen ausbrechen"

"das Schweigen brechen"

"einen Rekord brechen"

"gebrochenes Deutsch sprechen"

"über jemanden den Stab brechen"

Facile à confondre

brechen vs

Structures de phrases

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Comment l'utiliser

medical usage

Always use the dative reflexive for your own body parts (Ich habe mir...).

transitive vs intransitive

Transitive (breaking an object) uses 'haben'. Intransitive (an object breaking on its own) uses 'sein'.

Erreurs courantes

Saying 'er brecht' instead of 'er bricht'.
Using 'haben' when 'sein' is required for intransitive breaking.
Using 'brechen' for broken electronics instead of 'kaputt machen'.
Saying 'Mein Bein ist gebrochen' instead of 'Ich habe mir das Bein gebrochen'.
Using the vulgar 'kotzen' in formal situations instead of 'brechen'.

Astuces

Vowel Shift Alert

Always remember the e to i vowel shift in the present tense for du and er/sie/es. It is du brichst, not du brechst.

Medical Reflexive

When talking about broken bones, always use the dative reflexive pronoun. Ich habe MIR den Arm gebrochen.

Polite Vomiting

If you need to excuse yourself because you feel sick, 'Ich muss mich übergeben' is the most polite way to say it, though 'Ich muss brechen' is also fine.

Haben vs Sein

Ask yourself: Did someone break it (haben), or did it break on its own (sein)? This solves the perfect tense dilemma.

Electronics

Never use brechen for a broken phone or computer. Always use kaputt machen or say 'Es ist kaputt'.

Broken Hearts

The idiom 'jemandem das Herz brechen' works exactly like in English. Use it to add emotional depth to your German.

Learn the Family

Once you know how to conjugate brechen, you instantly know how to conjugate abbrechen, unterbrechen, and zerbrechen. Learn them together!

Soft CH

Practice the soft 'ch' sound. It should not sound like a hard 'k' or a 'sh'. It is the 'Ich-Laut'.

Abstract Breaking

Don't be afraid to use brechen for abstract things like rules (Regeln), laws (Gesetze), and promises (Versprechen).

Passive Voice

In formal writing, brechen is often used in the passive voice, e.g., 'Das Gesetz wurde gebrochen'. Practice this structure for B2/C1 exams.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine BREAKING a bone and then feeling so sick you have to VOMIT. Both use 'brechen'.

Origine du mot

From Middle High German 'brechen', Old High German 'brehhan', from Proto-Germanic '*brekaną'.

Contexte culturel

The idiom 'das Eis brechen' (to break the ice) is used exactly as it is in English, making it an easy and culturally relevant phrase to use at parties.

Use 'sich übergeben' instead of 'brechen' in highly formal situations when discussing vomiting. Never use 'kotzen' unless in very informal company.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"Hast du dir schon mal etwas gebrochen?"

"Glaubst du, es ist jemals in Ordnung, ein Gesetz zu brechen?"

"Wie bricht man am besten das Eis auf einer Party?"

"Hast du schon mal ein wichtiges Versprechen gebrochen?"

"Was machst du, wenn dein Handybildschirm bricht?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du ein Versprechen gebrochen hast.

Hast du dir jemals einen Knochen gebrochen? Wie ist das passiert?

Schreibe über einen Moment, der dir das Herz gebrochen hat.

Welche Regeln brichst du manchmal im Alltag?

Warum ist es wichtig, Verträge nicht zu brechen?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Brechen specifically means to snap, fracture, or shatter, usually applied to rigid materials like wood, glass, or bones. Kaputt machen is a more general term meaning to break, ruin, or destroy, and is commonly used for machines, electronics, or toys. You break (brechen) a stick, but you break (kaputt machen) a computer.

Use haben when there is a direct object receiving the action (transitive). For example, 'Ich habe das Glas gebrochen' (I broke the glass). Use sein when the subject itself undergoes a change of state (intransitive). For example, 'Das Glas ist gebrochen' (The glass broke).

You must use a reflexive construction with a dative pronoun. The correct phrase is 'Ich habe mir das Bein gebrochen'. A literal translation like 'Mein Bein ist gebrochen' sounds unnatural to native speakers.

Brechen is a strong (irregular) verb. It has a stem vowel change in the present tense (ich breche, du brichst, er bricht) and irregular forms in the past tenses (brach, gebrochen).

Yes, brechen is a very common word for vomiting. You can say 'Ich muss brechen' (I need to vomit). A more formal alternative is 'sich erbrechen' or 'sich übergeben'.

It means to break a promise. German uses the exact same verb for breaking abstract concepts like promises, laws, and contracts as it does for physical objects.

Prefix verbs add a prefix to brechen to change its meaning. Common examples include abbrechen (to cancel), unterbrechen (to interrupt), and zerbrechen (to shatter completely).

Both mean to vomit, but 'kotzen' is highly informal, vulgar slang (like 'puke' or 'barf'). 'Brechen' or 'sich übergeben' are the polite, standard terms to use.

The 'ch' in brechen is the 'Ich-Laut'. It is a soft, hissing sound made by raising the middle of the tongue towards the hard palate, similar to the 'h' in the English word 'huge'.

The noun form is 'der Bruch', which means the break, the fracture, or the fraction (in mathematics).

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour les astuces et notes