Meaning
To violate an established guideline or regulation.
Cultural Background
Germans are known for 'Regeltreue' (faithfulness to rules). Breaking a rule like 'Sonntagsruhe' (Sunday rest) can lead to complaints from neighbors. In Switzerland, rules are often local. Each 'Kanton' might have different rules, and breaking them is seen as a lack of civic respect. Austrians might have a slightly more relaxed 'Schmäh' (humor) regarding minor rules, but formal 'Vorschriften' are still strictly followed in bureaucracy. In Berlin's tech scene, 'Regeln brechen' is a motto for innovation, influenced by the English 'Move fast and break things'.
The 'i' shift
Always remember: ich breche, du brichst, er bricht. This is a classic German strong verb pattern.
Don't use 'kaputt'
Never say 'Regel kaputt machen'. It sounds very childish and incorrect to native speakers.
Meaning
To violate an established guideline or regulation.
The 'i' shift
Always remember: ich breche, du brichst, er bricht. This is a classic German strong verb pattern.
Don't use 'kaputt'
Never say 'Regel kaputt machen'. It sounds very childish and incorrect to native speakers.
The Red Man
In Germany, breaking the rule of 'waiting for the green man' at a crosswalk is a major social faux pas, especially if children are watching.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'brechen' in the present tense.
Er ______ {die|f} Regel.
The 3rd person singular of 'brechen' is 'bricht'.
Which sentence is correct in the past tense?
Select the correct option:
'Brechen' uses 'haben' and the participle is 'gebrochen'.
Match the context to the sentence.
Context: A professional legal report.
'Verstoßen gegen' is the formal/legal equivalent.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Brechen vs. Verstoßen
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEr ______ {die|f} Regel.
The 3rd person singular of 'brechen' is 'bricht'.
Select the correct option:
'Brechen' uses 'haben' and the participle is 'gebrochen'.
Context: A professional legal report.
'Verstoßen gegen' is the formal/legal equivalent.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'das Gesetz verletzen' or 'gegen das Gesetz verstoßen' is more common in formal legal contexts.
Yes, it is always {die|f} Regel. In the plural, it is {die|f} Regeln.
It is a person who breaks rules. In business, it can be a positive term for an innovator.
Yes! 'To break a promise' is 'ein Versprechen brechen'. It follows the same logic.
Yes, like 'sich {das|n} Bein brechen' (to break one's leg).
'Brechen' is more general and common; 'verstoßen' is formal and technical.
You say 'sich an {die|f} Regeln halten'.
No, 'brechen' is a simple verb. However, 'abbrechen' (to cancel/break off) is separable.
Only if you are talking about 'breaking the rules' of the market to innovate. Otherwise, it sounds negative.
People will understand you, but it is a clear sign that you are a beginner.
Related Phrases
gegen etwas verstoßen
synonymTo violate something (formal)
mit etwas brechen
builds onTo break with something (tradition/past)
eine Ausnahme machen
contrastTo make an exception
sich an {die|f} Regeln halten
contrastTo stick to the rules
{der|m} Regelverstoß
specialized formRule violation (noun)
