Meaning
To create a connection or reconcile differences.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a staple of 'Erinnerungskultur' (culture of remembrance), often used in speeches about reconciling with the past. In Austrian politics, 'Brücken bauen' is often associated with the 'Große Koalition' (Grand Coalition) tradition of compromise. Given Switzerland's multilingual nature, 'Brücken bauen' is frequently used to describe the connection between the different language regions (Röstigraben). The Euro banknotes actually feature fictional bridges to symbolize the 'Brücken bauen' between European nations.
Use with 'goldene'
If you want to sound like a master negotiator, use 'eine goldene Brücke bauen' in business contexts.
Don't use 'machen'
Native speakers never say 'eine Brücke machen'. Stick to 'bauen' or 'schlagen'.
Meaning
To create a connection or reconcile differences.
Use with 'goldene'
If you want to sound like a master negotiator, use 'eine goldene Brücke bauen' in business contexts.
Don't use 'machen'
Native speakers never say 'eine Brücke machen'. Stick to 'bauen' or 'schlagen'.
Test Yourself
Füllen Sie die Lücke mit dem richtigen Verb.
Wir müssen versuchen, eine Brücke zu ______.
The standard collocation is 'eine Brücke bauen'.
Welcher Satz ist korrekt?
Wie sagt man, dass man einen Konflikt lösen will?
'Brücken abbrechen' means the opposite (ending a relationship).
Ordnen Sie die Satzteile zu.
Match the beginning to the end.
These are the three most common variations of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWir müssen versuchen, eine Brücke zu ______.
The standard collocation is 'eine Brücke bauen'.
Wie sagt man, dass man einen Konflikt lösen will?
'Brücken abbrechen' means the opposite (ending a relationship).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three most common variations of the phrase.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsYes, it almost always implies a constructive, peaceful, and positive effort to connect.
Yes, but 'eine Brücke schlagen' is more common for transitions in speeches.
Related Phrases
Brücken schlagen
synonymTo strike/build bridges.
Brücken abbrechen
contrastTo burn bridges.
jemandem eine goldene Brücke bauen
specialized formTo give someone a face-saving way out.
