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ausbrechen

A2 verb #6,500 most common 8 min read

ausbrechen

Top 6,500

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips ausbrechen in 30 Seconds

Explanation ausbrechen in your Level:

At the A1 level, you might not use 'ausbrechen' yourself very often, but you will see it in simple news headlines about 'Vulkane' (volcanoes) or 'Feuer' (fire). The most important thing to learn at this stage is that it means something suddenly starts or 'breaks out'. You should recognize that the 'aus' part goes to the end of the sentence. For example: 'Das Feuer bricht aus.' Even though it is a more advanced concept, knowing that 'aus' means 'out' helps you guess the meaning of the word when you see it in a picture book or a simple news flash. Focus on the connection between 'break' and 'out'.

At the A2 level, you should start using 'ausbrechen' to describe simple events. You will learn that it is a 'separable verb' (trennbares Verb). This means in a sentence like 'Der Vulkan bricht aus', the 'aus' is at the end. You also need to know the past tense form 'ist ausgebrochen'. This is used for talking about things that happened in the past, like a prison escape in a movie or a fire in the news. You should also learn the phrase 'in Tränen ausbrechen' (to burst into tears), which is very common in stories. Remember to always use 'sein' (ist/sind) when you use the perfect tense.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'ausbrechen' more flexibly. You should be able to talk about social and political events, such as 'Der Krieg ist ausgebrochen' (The war broke out). You should also understand its metaphorical uses, such as 'aus dem Alltag ausbrechen' (to break out of the daily routine). At this level, you should be comfortable with the irregular conjugation: 'ich breche aus', 'du brichst aus', 'er bricht aus'. You will also encounter the noun 'der Ausbruch' (the outbreak/eruption), which is related to this verb. Pay attention to the prepositions used with it, like 'aus' for the place of escape and 'in' for the emotion.

At the B2 level, you should master the nuances of 'ausbrechen'. You will use it in more complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses where the verb stays together: '...weil ein Feuer ausgebrochen ist.' You should also distinguish 'ausbrechen' from similar verbs like 'aufbrechen' (to set off) or 'umbruch' (upheaval). You might use it in more formal contexts, such as describing an 'Epidemie' (epidemic) or a 'Panik' (panic) breaking out in a crowd. Your vocabulary should also include more specific collocations like 'aus einem Muster ausbrechen' (to break out of a pattern). Accuracy with the auxiliary verb 'sein' and the vowel change (e -> i) must be perfect at this stage.

At the C1 level, 'ausbrechen' becomes a tool for sophisticated description. You will use it to describe sudden shifts in market trends, psychological breakthroughs, or complex historical events. You should be able to use it in the passive voice (though rare) or in participial constructions like 'das ausgebrochene Feuer'. You will also understand idiomatic and literary uses, such as 'aus seiner Haut ausbrechen' (to want to change oneself completely). You should be able to discuss the etymology and the subtle differences between 'ausbrechen' and 'hervorbrechen' (to burst forth) or 'entstehen' (to emerge). Your use of the verb should reflect a deep understanding of its dramatic and sudden nature.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native command of 'ausbrechen'. You can use it in highly academic or literary contexts, perhaps discussing the 'Ausbrechen' of a particular artistic style or a philosophical movement. You understand all its secondary meanings, such as 'ein Stück aus dem Fels ausbrechen' (to quarry/break out a piece of rock). You can play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke specific imagery of pressure and release. You are also familiar with rare regional variations or archaic uses found in classical German literature (like Goethe or Schiller). At this level, the word is not just a verb but a versatile conceptual tool for describing any sudden, boundary-shattering event.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

ausbrechen in 30 Seconds

Ausbrechen means to erupt like a volcano or to break out like a fire.
It is also used for escaping from prison or bursting into emotions like tears.
Grammatically, it is a separable verb and uses 'sein' in the perfect tense.
Common contexts include news reports on wars, diseases, and natural disasters.

The German verb ausbrechen is a powerful, dynamic word that primarily describes a sudden, often violent transition from a state of containment to one of release. At its core, it combines the prefix aus- (out) with the verb brechen (to break), creating a vivid image of something shattering its boundaries to emerge into the world. This verb is most commonly associated with natural disasters, emotional outbursts, and physical escapes.

Geological Context: When talking about volcanoes, 'ausbrechen' is the standard term for an eruption. It implies the pressure of the magma finally breaking through the Earth's crust. It is used both as a general event and for specific historical eruptions.

Der Ätna ist heute Morgen wieder ausgebrochen und hat Asche in die Luft geschleudert.

Conflict and Disease: In a metaphorical sense, 'ausbrechen' describes the sudden onset of negative events like wars, fires, or epidemics. It suggests that these things were perhaps simmering under the surface before becoming manifest and uncontrollable.

Ein Feuer ist im Dachgeschoss des alten Hotels ausgebrochen.

Physical Escape: It is the standard term for escaping from a prison or a cage. Here, the 'breaking' is literal—shattering the bars or the security protocols to get out.

Drei Häftlinge sind gestern Nacht aus dem Gefängnis ausgebrochen.

Bei dem Witz musste sie einfach in Gelächter ausbrechen.

Beyond these common uses, 'ausbrechen' can also mean to break off a piece of something (like a stone or a tooth), though this is less frequent in daily speech than the meanings of eruption and escape. Understanding 'ausbrechen' requires recognizing that it is a 'strong' verb (irregular) and a separable verb, meaning the 'aus' moves to the end of the sentence in simple present and past tenses. Its versatility makes it essential for describing both physical world events and intense human experiences.

Using ausbrechen correctly requires attention to two main grammatical features: its status as a separable verb and its requirement for the auxiliary verb sein in perfect tenses. Because it is a verb of movement or change of state, you cannot use haben. Let's look at how the structure shifts across different contexts.

Present Tense (Präsens): In the present tense, the prefix 'aus' detaches and moves to the very end of the clause. The stem 'brech-' also undergoes a vowel change for the second and third person singular (du brichst, er/sie/es bricht).

Der Vulkan bricht jedes Jahr einmal aus.

Perfect Tense (Perfekt): This is the most common way to talk about eruptions or escapes that have already happened. Use 'ist' or 'sind' plus the past participle 'ausgebrochen'.

Die Cholera ist in der Region ausgebrochen.

Plötzlich brach sie in lautes Jubelgeschrei aus.

Subordinate Clauses: In dependent clauses (starting with 'weil', 'dass', etc.), the prefix stays attached to the verb, and the whole verb moves to the end.

Wir hatten Angst, weil der Krieg auszubrechen drohte.

When describing a physical break-off (like a piece of stone), the verb can sometimes be transitive, meaning it takes a direct object. However, for 90% of learners, focusing on the intransitive uses (eruption, escape, outburst) is the priority. Always pay attention to the stem change from 'e' to 'i' in the singular present tense, as this is a common source of errors for non-native speakers. Mastering the use of 'ausbrechen' allows you to describe dramatic changes in both the environment and human behavior with precision.

In Germany, ausbrechen is a word you will encounter frequently in news media, literature, and specific social scenarios. It carries a certain weight and drama, making it a favorite for journalists and storytellers alike. Here is where it typically appears in daily life.

The Evening News (Tagesschau): Whenever there is a global crisis, you will hear 'ausbrechen'. Whether it is a new conflict in the Middle East, a forest fire in California, or a viral outbreak, news anchors use this verb to signal the start of something significant and dangerous.

In der Grenzregion ist ein bewaffneter Konflikt ausgebrochen.

Crime Thrillers (Krimis): Germany loves crime dramas (like 'Tatort'). You will often hear about a 'Gefängnisausbruch' (prison break) or a character who 'aus dem Alltag ausbrechen' (wants to break out of their daily routine). It symbolizes a desperate need for freedom.

Er wollte einfach nur aus seinem tristen Leben ausbrechen.

Weather and Science Reports: If you watch documentaries on 'Terra X' or read scientific journals, 'ausbrechen' is the clinical yet descriptive term for tectonic or volcanic activity. It is the verb of choice for explaining how pressure builds up over centuries.

Wissenschaftler warnen, dass der Supervulkan bald ausbrechen könnte.

Whether it is the physical world (volcanoes, fires) or the social world (war, panic, laughter), 'ausbrechen' serves as a linguistic marker for the moment things change irrevocably. It is a word of high energy and sudden shifts, making it vital for understanding the rhythm of German narrative and reporting.

Even for intermediate learners, ausbrechen presents several pitfalls. These usually stem from its irregular conjugation, its separable nature, or confusion with similar-sounding verbs. Avoiding these common errors will make your German sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Using 'haben' in the Perfect Tense: Many learners default to 'haben' for all past actions. However, 'ausbrechen' describes a change of state (from dormant to active) or movement (out of a prison). Therefore, you must use 'sein'.

Falsch: Das Feuer hat gestern ausgebrochen.
Richtig: Das Feuer ist gestern ausgebrochen.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Vowel Change: In the present tense singular (du/er/sie/es), 'e' changes to 'i'. Beginners often forget this and say 'er brecht aus'.

Falsch: Er brecht aus dem Gefängnis aus.
Richtig: Er bricht aus dem Gefängnis aus.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'aufbrechen': 'Aufbrechen' means to set out on a journey or to force open a door. 'Ausbrechen' means to erupt or escape from within. While similar, they are not interchangeable.

Wir brechen auf (We are leaving), but der Vulkan bricht aus (The volcano erupts).

By keeping an eye on the vowel change, the choice of 'sein', and the specific meaning of 'aus' (out) versus 'auf' (open/departure), you will avoid the most frequent errors associated with this verb. Practice these distinctions in writing to solidify the patterns.

German has several verbs that deal with breaking or starting suddenly. Depending on the context—whether it is a volcano, an emotion, or a prison—you might choose a different word to be more precise. Here is a comparison of ausbrechen with its closest relatives.

Eruptieren vs. Ausbrechen: 'Eruptieren' is the technical, Latin-based term often used in scientific papers or formal geology. 'Ausbrechen' is the everyday word used by everyone else. In a casual conversation, 'eruptieren' sounds overly academic.

Entfliehen vs. Ausbrechen: 'Entfliehen' means to flee or escape a situation (like a boring party or a bad relationship). 'Ausbrechen' implies a physical barrier or a confined space (like a cell). You 'ausbrechen' from prison but 'entfliehen' from your responsibilities.

Er wollte der Hektik der Stadt entfliehen.

Losbrechen vs. Ausbrechen: 'Losbrechen' is often used for storms or thunder (Ein Gewitter brach los). It suggests a sudden start without necessarily having been 'contained' before. 'Ausbrechen' is better for fires or diseases that start in one place and then spread.

Das Gewitter brach mit voller Wucht los.

In summary, 'ausbrechen' is your go-to word for eruptions, prison breaks, and sudden outbreaks of fire or war. Use 'aufbrechen' for departures, 'losbrechen' for storms, and 'entfliehen' for escaping abstract situations. Choosing the right 'break' verb is a hallmark of an advanced German speaker.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Die Seuche brach in den ärmeren Vierteln aus."

Neutral

"Der Vulkan ist gestern ausgebrochen."

Informal

"Ich muss mal aus meinem Trott ausbrechen."

Child friendly

"Der kleine Dino ist aus dem Ei ausgebrochen!"

Slang

"Er ist voll in Panik ausgebrochen, Alter."

Fun Fact

The word captures the same logic as the English 'break out', showing the shared ancestry of Germanic languages. It was used in mining for centuries before being applied to volcanoes.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈaʊsˌbʁɛçn̩/

US /ˈaʊsˌbʁɛkən/

On the first syllable: AUS-bre-chen.

Rhymes With

versprechen bestechen brechen stechen rächen schwächen dreschen löschen

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'ch' as 'k' (like 'break').
Stressing the second syllable.
Not pronouncing the 'r' clearly.
Mixing up the vowel change in present tense.
Using a hard 'ch' (ach-Laut).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of its similarity to English 'break out'.

Writing 4/5

Difficult due to separable prefix and vowel change (e -> i).

Speaking 3/5

The 'ch' sound and the 'sein' auxiliary require practice.

Listening 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but the prefix at the end can be tricky.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

brechen aus Feuer Vulkan Gefängnis

Learn Next

aufbrechen durchbrechen Eruption Flucht entstehen

Advanced

hervorbrechen losbrechen die Unruhen die Epidemie der Tumult

Grammar to Know

Separable Verbs

Er bricht aus. (The prefix 'aus' moves to the end in main clauses.)

Vowel Change (e -> i)

Du brichst aus. (Strong verbs often change vowels in 2nd/3rd person singular.)

Auxiliary Verb 'sein'

Er ist ausgebrochen. (Used for movement or change of state.)

Past Participle Formation

aus + ge + brochen. (Prefix + ge + stem + en for strong verbs.)

Prepositional Objects

In Tränen ausbrechen. (Use 'in' + Accusative for emotional outbursts.)

Examples by Level

Das Feuer bricht aus.

The fire breaks out.

Present tense, separable verb.

Der Vulkan bricht heute aus.

The volcano is erupting today.

Present tense.

Hilfe, ein Feuer bricht aus!

Help, a fire is breaking out!

Exclamation.

Wo bricht das Feuer aus?

Where is the fire breaking out?

Question form.

Ein Feuer bricht im Wald aus.

A fire breaks out in the forest.

Prepositional phrase 'im Wald'.

Der Vulkan bricht nicht aus.

The volcano is not erupting.

Negative with 'nicht'.

Wann bricht der Vulkan aus?

When does the volcano erupt?

Interrogative.

Das Feuer bricht schnell aus.

The fire breaks out quickly.

Adverb 'schnell'.

Das Feuer ist gestern ausgebrochen.

The fire broke out yesterday.

Perfect tense with 'ist'.

Er ist aus dem Gefängnis ausgebrochen.

He escaped from prison.

Perfect tense, movement.

Sie ist in Tränen ausgebrochen.

She burst into tears.

Idiomatic expression.

Ein Sturm bricht in der Nacht aus.

A storm breaks out in the night.

Present tense.

Warum bist du aus der Schule ausgebrochen?

Why did you escape from school?

Perfect tense question.

Der Hund ist aus dem Garten ausgebrochen.

The dog escaped from the garden.

Perfect tense.

Plötzlich bricht Panik aus.

Suddenly panic breaks out.

Abstract subject 'Panik'.

Ist der Vulkan schon ausgebrochen?

Has the volcano already erupted?

Perfect tense question.

Der Krieg brach völlig unerwartet aus.

The war broke out completely unexpectedly.

Präteritum (Simple Past).

Wir müssen aus diesem Alltag ausbrechen.

We must break out of this daily routine.

Modal verb with infinitive.

Die Krankheit ist im Dorf ausgebrochen.

The disease broke out in the village.

Medical context.

Er bricht oft in lautes Lachen aus.

He often bursts into loud laughter.

Vowel change e -> i.

Die Gefangenen planten, morgen auszubrechen.

The prisoners planned to escape tomorrow.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Nach der Nachricht ist eine große Freude ausgebrochen.

After the news, great joy broke out.

Abstract emotion.

Ein Streit brach zwischen den Brüdern aus.

A quarrel broke out between the brothers.

Präteritum.

Wenn das Feuer ausbricht, ruf die Feuerwehr.

If the fire breaks out, call the fire department.

Conditional clause.

Es besteht die Gefahr, dass der Vulkan jederzeit ausbricht.

There is a danger that the volcano will erupt at any time.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

Die Epidemie konnte sich schnell ausbreiten, nachdem sie ausgebrochen war.

The epidemic was able to spread quickly after it had broken out.

Plusquamperfekt (Past Perfect).

Sie wollte aus den gesellschaftlichen Konventionen ausbrechen.

She wanted to break out of social conventions.

Metaphorical use.

In der Menge brach plötzlich ein Tumult aus.

A tumult suddenly broke out in the crowd.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'Tumult'.

Die Lava floss ins Tal, als der Berg ausbrach.

Lava flowed into the valley when the mountain erupted.

Temporal clause with 'als'.

Er ist aus seinem gewohnten Muster ausgebrochen.

He broke out of his usual pattern.

Psychological context.

Nach dem Tor brach im Stadion grenzenloser Jubel aus.

After the goal, boundless cheering broke out in the stadium.

Compound noun 'Jubelgeschrei'.

Man befürchtete, dass Unruhen ausbrechen würden.

It was feared that riots would break out.

Konjunktiv II (Future in the past).

Die wirtschaftliche Krise brach mit verheerenden Folgen aus.

The economic crisis broke out with devastating consequences.

Abstract economic context.

Es ist schwer, aus einem Teufelskreis auszubrechen.

It is difficult to break out of a vicious circle.

Idiomatic 'Teufelskreis'.

Das Virus brach zeitgleich in mehreren Ländern aus.

The virus broke out simultaneously in several countries.

Adverb 'zeitgleich'.

Ein Sturm der Entrüstung brach über den Politiker aus.

A storm of indignation broke out over the politician.

Metaphorical 'Sturm der Entrüstung'.

Er brach ein Stück aus dem Fels aus, um es zu untersuchen.

He broke a piece out of the rock to examine it.

Transitive use.

Sobald die ersten Schüsse fielen, brach Chaos aus.

As soon as the first shots were fired, chaos broke out.

Temporal conjunction 'sobald'.

Sie versuchte, aus ihrer Opferrolle auszubrechen.

She tried to break out of her role as a victim.

Psychological 'Opferrolle'.

Die Revolution brach im Frühjahr 1848 aus.

The revolution broke out in the spring of 1848.

Historical context.

Die schwelenden Konflikte brachen schließlich in offene Feindseligkeit aus.

The smoldering conflicts finally broke out into open hostility.

Participle 'schwelend'.

Es bedurfte nur eines Funkens, damit der Aufstand ausbrach.

Only a spark was needed for the uprising to break out.

Conjunction 'damit'.

Das ausgebrochene Pferd galoppierte über die Felder.

The escaped horse galloped across the fields.

Participle as adjective.

In seinem Werk bricht er aus den traditionellen Erzählstrukturen aus.

In his work, he breaks out of traditional narrative structures.

Literary analysis.

Die Naturgewalten brachen mit einer Urgewalt aus, die alles vernichtete.

The forces of nature broke out with a primal force that destroyed everything.

Relative clause.

Er konnte der Enge seiner Herkunft nie ganz ausbrechen.

He could never quite break out of the narrowness of his origins.

Dative object 'der Enge' (rare usage).

Ein Gelächter brach aus, das die angespannte Stille zerriss.

Laughter broke out, tearing through the tense silence.

Poetic language.

Wäre der Vulkan früher ausgebrochen, hätte man die Stadt evakuieren können.

If the volcano had erupted earlier, the city could have been evacuated.

Irrealis (Conditional III).

Common Collocations

ein Vulkan bricht aus

ein Feuer bricht aus

ein Krieg bricht aus

aus dem Gefängnis ausbrechen

in Tränen ausbrechen

in Gelächter ausbrechen

eine Epidemie bricht aus

aus dem Alltag ausbrechen

Panik bricht aus

ein Streit bricht aus

Common Phrases

in Jubel ausbrechen

— To start cheering suddenly.

Die Fans brachen in Jubel aus.

aus der Reihe ausbrechen

— To step out of line or do something unconventional.

Er bricht gerne aus der Reihe aus.

in Schweiß ausbrechen

— To start sweating suddenly, usually from fear or illness.

Er brach in kalten Schweiß aus.

aus einer Umklammerung ausbrechen

— To break free from a physical hold.

Er konnte aus der Umklammerung ausbrechen.

in Begeisterung ausbrechen

— To become suddenly very enthusiastic.

Das Publikum brach in Begeisterung aus.

aus einem Gefängnis der Gefühle ausbrechen

— To break free from emotional suppression.

Sie musste aus ihrem Gefängnis der Gefühle ausbrechen.

in Wut ausbrechen

— To have a sudden fit of rage.

Der Chef brach in Wut aus.

aus dem Käfig ausbrechen

— To escape from a cage.

Der Vogel ist aus dem Käfig ausgebrochen.

in Applaus ausbrechen

— To start clapping suddenly.

Die Zuschauer brachen in Applaus aus.

aus den Fugen ausbrechen

— To get out of control (usually 'aus den Fugen geraten').

Die Situation drohte auszubrechen.

Often Confused With

ausbrechen vs aufbrechen

Means to leave/set out or to force open. 'Wir brechen um 8 Uhr auf.' (We leave at 8.)

ausbrechen vs durchbrechen

Means to break through a barrier physically. 'Er durchbrach die Mauer.' (He broke through the wall.)

ausbrechen vs einbrechen

Means to break in (burglary) or to collapse. 'Jemand ist eingebrochen.' (Someone broke in.)

Idioms & Expressions

"aus seiner Haut ausbrechen wollen"

— To be extremely frustrated with oneself or a situation.

Ich möchte manchmal aus meiner Haut ausbrechen.

informal

"in Tränen ausbrechen"

— To suddenly start crying.

Bei dem Film ist sie in Tränen ausgebrochen.

neutral

"aus dem Rahmen ausbrechen"

— To do something unusual or beyond the norm.

Ihr Verhalten brach völlig aus dem Rahmen aus.

neutral

"in schallendes Gelächter ausbrechen"

— To burst into loud, ringing laughter.

Er brach in schallendes Gelächter aus.

neutral

"aus der Art ausbrechen"

— To behave differently than one's family or kind.

Er ist aus der Art ausgebrochen.

informal

"in Panik ausbrechen"

— To lose control due to sudden fear.

Die Passagiere brachen in Panik aus.

neutral

"aus dem Trott ausbrechen"

— To escape a boring routine.

Wir müssen mal aus dem Trott ausbrechen.

informal

"in blinde Wut ausbrechen"

— To explode in irrational anger.

Er brach in blinde Wut aus.

neutral

"aus einer Rolle ausbrechen"

— To stop acting in a way others expect.

Sie wollte aus ihrer Rolle als Hausfrau ausbrechen.

neutral

"in helle Begeisterung ausbrechen"

— To burst into bright enthusiasm.

Die Kinder brachen in helle Begeisterung aus.

neutral

Easily Confused

ausbrechen vs abbrechen

Both start with 'a' and end with 'brechen'.

'Abbrechen' means to cancel or snap off. 'Ausbrechen' means to erupt or escape.

Wir müssen das Spiel abbrechen.

ausbrechen vs unterbrechen

Common 'brechen' verb.

'Unterbrechen' means to interrupt.

Bitte unterbrich mich nicht.

ausbrechen vs zerbrechen

Physical breaking.

'Zerbrechen' means to shatter into pieces.

Das Glas ist zerbrochen.

ausbrechen vs erbrechen

Similar sound.

'Erbrechen' means to vomit.

Er musste sich erbrechen.

ausbrechen vs losbrechen

Sudden start.

'Losbrechen' is for storms; 'ausbrechen' is for fires/volcanoes.

Ein Gewitter brach los.

Sentence Patterns

Der/Die/Das [Substantiv] bricht aus.

Das Feuer bricht aus.

[Substantiv] ist ausgebrochen.

Der Vulkan ist ausgebrochen.

[Person] bricht in [Emotion] aus.

Sie bricht in Tränen aus.

[Person] bricht aus dem [Ort] aus.

Er bricht aus dem Gefängnis aus.

Es droht, dass [Substantiv] ausbricht.

Es droht, dass ein Krieg ausbricht.

Aus [etwas] auszubrechen ist [Adjektiv].

Aus einem Teufelskreis auszubrechen ist schwierig.

Das [Partizip] Feuer...

Das ausgebrochene Feuer wurde gelöscht.

Hätte [Substantiv] ausgebrochen, wäre...

Hätte der Vulkan ausgebrochen, wäre es schlimm.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in news and narrative literature.

Common Mistakes

Er hat aus dem Gefängnis ausgebrochen. → Er ist aus dem Gefängnis ausgebrochen.
Movement verbs use 'sein'.
Der Vulkan brecht aus. → Der Vulkan bricht aus.
Vowel change e -> i in 3rd person singular.
Ein Feuer hat ausgebrochen. → Ein Feuer ist ausgebrochen.
Change of state uses 'sein'.
Ich habe in Tränen ausgebrochen. → Ich bin in Tränen ausgebrochen.
Even emotional 'outbursts' use 'sein'.
Er ist geausbrochen. → Er ist ausgebrochen.
In separable verbs, 'ge' goes between the prefix and the stem.

Tips

The 'Sein' Rule

Always pair 'ausbrechen' with 'sein' in the past. It describes a change of state, which is a key trigger for 'sein' in German.

Visual Learning

Associate the word with a volcano. The image of lava 'breaking out' is the strongest way to remember the meaning.

Prefix Placement

In a main sentence, the 'aus' must go to the very end. Don't let it sit next to the verb.

Emotional Outbursts

Memorize 'in Tränen ausbrechen' as a single unit. It's one of the most common ways to use the verb.

Historical Context

When writing about history, use 'ausbrechen' for the start of wars (Kriegsausbruch). It sounds more professional than 'starten'.

News Keywords

If you hear 'ausgebrochen', expect the news to be about a disaster or a prison break.

Avoid 'erbrechen'

Remember: 'Aus' is for volcanoes, 'Er' is for stomachs. Don't mix up erupting and vomiting!

Formal vs Informal

Use 'ausbrechen' for big events; use 'aufbrechen' when you are just leaving your house.

Vowel Shift

The e->i shift only happens in 'du' and 'er/sie/es'. 'Wir brechen aus' stays with 'e'.

Daily Life

Use 'aus dem Trott ausbrechen' to tell friends you need a vacation.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'HOUSE' (aus) that 'BREAKS' (brechen). If a house breaks, the fire inside comes OUT.

Visual Association

Imagine a volcano shaped like a giant 'A' for 'Ausbrechen' with lava 'breaking' through the top.

Word Web

Vulkan Gefängnis Feuer Tränen Krieg Epidemie Panik Freiheit

Challenge

Try to use 'ausbrechen' in three different ways: one for a volcano, one for a fire, and one for an emotion.

Word Origin

From Middle High German 'ūzbrechen', combining 'ūz' (out) and 'brechen' (to break).

Original meaning: To physically break something out of a container or structure.

Germanic.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it for diseases or wars, as it implies a serious and often tragic event.

The English 'break out' is a perfect literal and figurative translation in almost all cases.

The movie 'Der Ausbruch' (The Escape) Scientific reports on the eruption of Vesuvius Historical accounts of the start of WWI (Kriegsausbruch)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

News/Journalism

Krieg ist ausgebrochen
Feuer brach aus
Unruhen brachen aus
Epidemie ist ausgebrochen

Geology

Vulkanausbruch
Lava bricht aus
Aschewolke
Aktivität

Psychology

in Tränen ausbrechen
Wutausbruch
aus Mustern ausbrechen
Panikattacke

Crime/Law

Gefängnisausbruch
Häftling ist ausgebrochen
Fluchtversuch
Sicherheitslücke

Personal Growth

aus dem Alltag ausbrechen
neue Wege gehen
Routine durchbrechen
Freiheit suchen

Conversation Starters

"Hast du gehört, dass der Vulkan in Island wieder ausgebrochen ist?"

"Wolltest du schon mal aus deinem normalen Leben ausbrechen?"

"Was machst du, wenn plötzlich ein Feuer in der Küche ausbricht?"

"Bist du schon mal in Tränen ausgebrochen, als du einen Film gesehen hast?"

"Glaubst du, dass bald wieder eine Pandemie ausbrechen könnte?"

Journal Prompts

Beschreibe einen Moment, in dem du aus deiner täglichen Routine ausgebrochen bist. Was hast du gemacht?

Stell dir vor, ein Vulkan bricht in deiner Nähe aus. Wie würdest du reagieren und was würdest du mitnehmen?

Warum ist es manchmal gut, in Gelächter auszubrechen, auch wenn die Situation ernst ist?

Schreibe eine Geschichte über einen Häftling, der versucht, aus einem Hochsicherheitsgefängnis auszubrechen.

Wie fühlst du dich, wenn in der Welt ein neuer Konflikt ausbricht? Reflektiere über deine Emotionen.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, when it means to erupt, escape, or break out (intransitive), it always uses 'sein'. The rare transitive use (to break something out) uses 'haben', but you won't see that often.

'Eruptieren' is formal and scientific; 'ausbrechen' is the common word used in everyday German and news.

Yes, 'in Lachen ausbrechen' or 'in Gelächter ausbrechen' both mean to burst into laughter.

In Präteritum: ich brach aus, du brachst aus, er brach aus. In Perfekt: ich bin ausgebrochen.

No, that is 'erbrechen'. Be careful not to confuse them!

No, 'ausbrechen' is too dramatic. Use 'gehen' or 'aufbrechen' (to set out).

It is 'er bricht aus'. The 'e' changes to 'i' in the singular present tense.

It means to do something different from your usual boring routine, like taking a spontaneous trip.

Yes, the verb describes the moment the fire starts to spread, regardless of the cause.

The noun is 'der Ausbruch' (masculine).