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B2 noun 11 min de leitura

doorbraak

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas doorbraak em 30 segundos

Explicação doorbraak in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'doorbraak' often, as it is quite a complex and abstract concept. However, it is good to recognize it. Think of it as a 'very big success'. At this level, you might hear it in simple news reports or when people talk about famous singers. You can imagine a wall being broken down. When you learn Dutch, your first 'doorbraak' is when you can say a full sentence without looking at a book! It is a 'de-word', so we say 'de doorbraak'. You don't need to worry about the grammar of this word yet, just remember that it means something very good and very big happened after a long time of waiting. For example, if you are learning to ride a bike and you finally do it alone, that is a little 'doorbraak'. In simple Dutch, we often just say 'groot succes', but 'doorbraak' is the special word for it. It is made of two parts: 'door' (through) and 'braak' (break). Like breaking through a door to get to the other side. This word is common in the Netherlands because there are many dikes. If water goes through a dike, it is a 'doorbraak'. But usually, we use it for happy things like science or music. Try to listen for it on the radio. If a DJ says 'de doorbraak van...', they are talking about a new famous person. It is an exciting word because it means something new and important is starting. Even at A1, knowing this word helps you understand that Dutch people value progress and innovation. You can use it to describe a big moment in your life. Just remember: 'De doorbraak'. It is a noun, a thing. It is not an action. You 'have' a doorbraak or there 'is' a doorbraak. Keep it simple and you will do great!

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At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences and understand more topics. The word 'doorbraak' is useful when you want to talk about news, technology, or famous people. It means 'breakthrough'. You can use it to describe a moment when a difficult problem is finally solved. For example, 'De wetenschappers vonden een medicijn. Dat is een grote doorbraak.' (The scientists found a medicine. That is a big breakthrough.) You should notice that we often use the adjective 'groot' (big) or 'belangrijk' (important) with it. In terms of grammar, 'doorbraak' is a noun. The plural is 'doorbraken'. Notice that we lose one 'a' in the plural! This is a common Dutch spelling rule. At A2, you might use this word to talk about your work or your hobbies. If you have been practicing the guitar for a year and suddenly you can play a difficult song, you can say: 'Ik had een doorbraak met gitaar spelen.' It sounds more professional than just saying 'ik kan het nu'. It shows you understand that you worked hard to overcome a barrier. You will also see this word in the newspaper headlines. 'Doorbraak in de politiek' means that politicians finally made a decision. It is a very positive word most of the time. It implies that before the breakthrough, things were stuck or slow. So, a breakthrough brings speed and change. When you use it, remember to use the article 'de'. 'De doorbraak was geweldig.' You can also use it with the verb 'zorgen voor' (to provide/ensure). 'Deze ontdekking zorgt voor een doorbraak.' This is a very common way to structure the sentence. Practice saying it out loud to get the 'oo' and 'aa' sounds right. The 'oo' is long like in 'boat' and the 'aa' is long like in 'father'. It is a strong, energetic word that will make your Dutch sound much more advanced.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to discuss more abstract topics and express opinions. 'Doorbraak' is a key word for this. It moves beyond just 'success' and enters the realm of 'transformative change'. You should be able to use it in professional and social contexts. For instance, when discussing climate change, you might say: 'We hebben een technologische doorbraak nodig om de CO2-uitstoot te verminderen.' (We need a technological breakthrough to reduce CO2 emissions.) Here, you are using the word to describe a necessary solution to a global problem. You should also be aware of common collocations. We often 'bereiken' (reach) or 'forceren' (force) a breakthrough. 'De onderhandelingen zaten vast, maar gisteren werd er een doorbraak bereikt.' This sentence structure is typical for B1 level Dutch. It uses the passive voice and links a problem (stuck negotiations) with a solution (breakthrough). Another important aspect is the use of 'doorbraak' in the arts. If a Dutch actor gets a role in Hollywood, that is their 'internationale doorbraak'. You can talk about your own 'doorbraak' in learning Dutch—perhaps it was the moment you could follow a movie without subtitles. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse it with 'inbraak' (burglary) or 'uitbraak' (outbreak). While they look similar, their meanings are very different. A 'doorbraak' is usually positive and involves moving forward, while an 'inbraak' is a crime and an 'uitbraak' is often a negative spreading of something. Understanding these nuances helps you avoid embarrassing mistakes. You can also start using compound words like 'marktdoorbraak' or 'medische doorbraak'. This makes your vocabulary more precise. When writing, remember the spelling of the plural 'doorbraken'. The single 'a' is crucial. Overall, 'doorbraak' is a word that helps you describe significant milestones in a way that sounds natural and sophisticated.

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At the B2 level, 'doorbraak' is a word you should use with confidence and nuance. It is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for analyzing situations. You understand that a 'doorbraak' signifies a paradigm shift or the resolution of a long-standing deadlock. In a business context, you might discuss a 'marktdoorbraak' (market breakthrough), where a new product completely changes the competitive landscape. You should be able to use the word with a variety of verbs: 'een doorbraak beleven', 'een doorbraak forceren', 'hopen op een doorbraak', or 'een doorbraak teweegbrengen'. Each of these carries a slightly different shade of meaning. 'Forceren' implies active effort to break a stalemate, while 'beleven' is more about experiencing the event. You should also be comfortable using the word in more abstract, psychological contexts. For example, 'Na vele gesprekken was er eindelijk een doorbraak in hun relatie.' This shows a deeper understanding of human dynamics. Grammatically, you should be flawless with the word, including its plural form 'doorbraken' and its position in complex sentences. You can use it in subordinate clauses: 'Hoewel iedereen op een doorbraak hoopte, bleven de resultaten uit.' (Although everyone hoped for a breakthrough, the results failed to appear.) This level of complexity is expected at B2. You should also be aware of the word's historical and literal roots in the Netherlands—the 'dijkdoorbraak'. While rare now, this literal meaning informs the metaphorical weight of the word; it suggests a powerful, irreversible flow of progress. Use 'doorbraak' when 'succes' or 'vooruitgang' is too weak to describe the magnitude of the event. It is a word of impact, often used in the final, climactic parts of a presentation or an essay to highlight a major achievement or a turning point.

At the C1 level, your use of 'doorbraak' should reflect a high degree of linguistic precision and cultural awareness. You are likely using it in professional reports, academic essays, or high-level debates. You understand the subtle difference between a 'doorbraak' and a 'omslag' (turnaround) or a 'paradigmaverschuiving' (paradigm shift). While a 'doorbraak' is the moment the barrier breaks, the 'omslag' is the change in direction that follows. You can use 'doorbraak' to critique or analyze complex systems. For instance, you might argue that a certain 'wetenschappelijke doorbraak' was actually the result of decades of incremental 'vooruitgang', questioning the 'suddenness' of the event. You should also be adept at using the word in idiomatic and metaphorical ways. Phrases like 'een doorbraak forceren' can be used in a cynical or critical way in political commentary, suggesting that the breakthrough was artificial or rushed for the sake of appearances. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'doorbraakdossier' (a breakthrough file/case) or 'doorbraakmoment'. Furthermore, you should be aware of the 'Doorbraak' in Dutch political history—the movement after WWII that aimed to break the traditional 'verzuiling' (pillarization) of Dutch society. Knowing this historical context adds a layer of depth to your understanding of the word in a Dutch-speaking environment. In terms of style, you can use 'doorbraak' to create dramatic effect in your writing. 'De langverwachte doorbraak bleek uiteindelijk een pyrrusoverwinning te zijn.' (The long-awaited breakthrough eventually turned out to be a Pyrrhic victory.) This level of expression, combining complex vocabulary and historical/cultural references, is what defines C1 proficiency. You treat the word not just as a label for success, but as a concept that can be examined, challenged, and placed within a broader narrative of history and progress.

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At the C2 level, you possess a near-native mastery of 'doorbraak', using it with total spontaneity and precision across all registers. You can effortlessly weave it into complex rhetorical structures, using it to denote everything from a microscopic chemical reaction to a massive geopolitical shift. You understand the word's etymological resonance and how it interacts with other words in the Dutch lexicon. You might use it in literary analysis to describe the 'doorbraak' of a new style or movement, or in philosophical discourse to discuss the nature of 'breaking through' perceived reality. Your use of collocations is second nature; you know exactly when to use 'een beslissende doorbraak' versus 'een moeizame doorbraak'. You are also sensitive to the word's potential for irony. In a high-level discussion, you might refer to a minor policy change as a 'zogenaamde doorbraak' (so-called breakthrough) to highlight its insignificance. You can handle the most complex grammatical constructions involving the word, such as using it in long, multi-clausal sentences without losing the thread of the argument. 'De doorbraak, die door velen als het sluitstuk van jarenlang intensief onderzoek werd beschouwd, bleek bij nader inzien slechts het startschot voor een geheel nieuwe reeks vragen.' (The breakthrough, which many considered the culmination of years of intensive research, turned out on closer inspection to be merely the starting gun for an entirely new set of questions.) This sentence demonstrates the ability to use the word as a pivot point in a sophisticated narrative. You are also fully aware of the word's use in specialized fields, such as 'dijkdoorbraakmodellen' in hydraulic engineering or 'marktdoorbraakstrategieën' in high-level business consulting. At C2, 'doorbraak' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic repertoire, used to convey power, change, and the complex interplay between resistance and progress with absolute clarity and stylistic flair.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

doorbraak em 30 segundos

A 'doorbraak' is a major breakthrough or discovery that overcomes a barrier.
It is a 'de-word' with the plural 'doorbraken', used in science and arts.
Commonly paired with verbs like 'bereiken' (reach) and 'forceren' (force).
It signifies a transformative moment that changes a situation permanently.

The Dutch word doorbraak is a powerful noun that translates most directly to "breakthrough" in English. At its core, it describes a sudden, significant development or a discovery that overcomes a previously insurmountable barrier. While it is commonly associated with scientific achievements or medical milestones, its usage in Dutch is expansive, covering everything from social changes to personal career successes. Understanding this word requires looking at its literal roots: door (through) and braak (related to breken, to break). It suggests a forceful movement through an obstacle.

Scientific Context: In the world of research and technology, a doorbraak is that 'eureka' moment where a solution is found for a complex problem. For example, the development of a new vaccine or a more efficient way to store solar energy would be hailed as a major Dutch 'doorbraak'.

De wetenschappers kondigden gisteren een belangrijke doorbraak aan in de strijd tegen kanker.

Beyond the lab, the word is frequently used in politics and diplomacy. When two opposing parties who have been in a deadlock for months finally reach an agreement, the media will report it as a politieke doorbraak. It implies that the 'ice has been broken' or the 'wall has been breached'. This nuance is important: a doorbraak isn't just progress; it is progress that follows a period of stagnation or resistance.

Cultural Register: In the arts and entertainment sector, a performer's first major success is their doorbraak. It marks the transition from being unknown to being a recognized figure. This is often paired with the verb beleven (to experience) or bereiken (to achieve).

Met haar nieuwe album beleefde de zangeres eindelijk haar grote doorbraak bij het grote publiek.

Historically, the word also has a very literal meaning in the Netherlands: the breaking of a dike. Given the Dutch history with water management, a dijkdoorbraak is a catastrophic event where water forces its way through a protective barrier. While modern usage is 99% metaphorical, this literal origin explains the sense of power and irreversibility associated with the term. When a doorbraak happens, things will never be the same again.

Psychological Usage: In therapy or personal development, a patient might have a doorbraak when they finally understand the root cause of their behavior. This emotional release is seen as 'breaking through' mental barriers.

Na maanden van therapie was er eindelijk een emotionele doorbraak.

To summarize, whether you are talking about technology, music, politics, or water, a doorbraak signifies a pivotal moment of change. It is an essential word for B2 learners who wish to discuss complex social and professional topics in Dutch. It carries a weight of importance and often implies that a lot of hard work or pressure preceded the event.

Using the word doorbraak correctly involves understanding which verbs and adjectives it typically pairs with. Since it is a noun, it often acts as the direct object of a sentence or the subject of a transformative action. The most common adjectives used to describe a doorbraak are groot (big), belangrijk (important), wetenschappelijk (scientific), and internationaal (international).

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like betekenen (to mean/signify), forceren (to force), beleven (to experience), and bereiken (to reach) are standard. You 'force' a breakthrough when you push through resistance, and you 'experience' a breakthrough when it happens to you.

De onderhandelaars probeerden een doorbraak te forceren door een nieuw compromis voor te stellen.

When discussing a person's career, the preposition bij is often used to indicate the audience or the level at which the breakthrough occurred. For instance, doorbraak bij het grote publiek means a breakthrough with the general public. If you are talking about a field of study, use in, such as een doorbraak in de technologie.

Zijn rol in die film betekende zijn definitieve internationale doorbraak.

In a more technical or academic context, a doorbraak is often something that is 'hoped for' (hopen op) or 'expected' (verwachten). It functions as a beacon of progress. You might say: We wachten op een doorbraak in het onderzoek (We are waiting for a breakthrough in the research). This highlights the word's role as a milestone.

Compound Words: Dutch loves compound nouns. You will see dijkdoorbraak (dike breach), marktdoorbraak (market breakthrough), and kennisdoorbraak (knowledge breakthrough). These are used to specify exactly where the barrier was broken.

Zonder een technologische doorbraak kunnen we de klimaatdoelen niet halen.

Finally, consider the negative or the absence of a breakthrough. Phrases like er is nog geen doorbraak (there is no breakthrough yet) or een gebrek aan een doorbraak (a lack of a breakthrough) are common in news reports regarding long-standing conflicts or difficult puzzles. It emphasizes the frustration of the status quo.

Sentence Structure: Typically: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Adjective] + doorbraak. Example: 'Het team bereikte een cruciale doorbraak.'

Een onverwachte doorbraak veranderde de hele situatie.

By mastering these patterns, you can use doorbraak to convey sophisticated ideas about progress and change in your Dutch conversations and writing.

The word doorbraak is a staple of Dutch media and intellectual discourse. If you tune into the evening news (het NOS Journaal), you are almost guaranteed to hear it at least once a week. It appears most frequently in segments concerning medical science, international diplomacy, and the tech industry. For example, when a new AI model is released or a trade agreement is signed between the EU and another nation, the word doorbraak will be in the headline.

The Newsroom: News anchors use it to signal 'breaking news' that has a long-term impact. 'Eindelijk een doorbraak in de cao-onderhandelingen' (Finally a breakthrough in the collective labor agreement negotiations) is a classic headline that affects thousands of workers.

De krantenkoppen schreeuwden: 'Medische doorbraak biedt hoop voor miljoenen patiënten.'

In the business world, especially within the startup scenes of Amsterdam or Eindhoven, doorbraak refers to a company's 'big break' or a technological innovation that disrupts the market. Business podcasts and journals like Het Financieele Dagblad often analyze which startups are on the verge of a marktdoorbraak. It is a word associated with growth, scalability, and overcoming competition.

Pop Culture and Music: You will hear this constantly on radio stations like 3FM or Radio 538 when DJs introduce a new artist. They might say, 'Dit nummer was de grote doorbraak voor deze band.' In this context, it’s synonymous with 'making it big'.

Zijn doorbraak kwam onverwacht na een viraal filmpje op TikTok.

In academic settings, such as lectures at the Universiteit van Amsterdam or TU Delft, professors use doorbraak to describe paradigm shifts. It’s not just an everyday discovery; it’s something that changes the fundamental understanding of a subject. If you are reading scientific papers in Dutch, look for this word in the abstract or conclusion to identify the core contribution of the research.

Daily Conversations: While less common in casual small talk about the weather, it is very common when friends discuss their careers or personal struggles. 'Heb je al een doorbraak in je zoektocht naar een huis?' (Have you had a breakthrough in your search for a house yet?) shows how the word is used for persistent personal goals.

Ik hoop dat deze nieuwe strategie eindelijk voor een doorbraak zorgt.

Whether you are watching a documentary, reading a newspaper, or talking to a colleague about a project, doorbraak is the go-to word for significant, positive change that follows effort or waiting.

For English speakers learning Dutch, the word doorbraak seems straightforward because it looks like 'breakthrough'. However, there are several pitfalls involving prepositions, false friends, and collocations that can make your Dutch sound unnatural. One of the most common errors is using the wrong verb to describe 'making' a breakthrough.

Mistake 1: "Een doorbraak maken": In English, we say "to make a breakthrough." In Dutch, saying een doorbraak maken is technically understandable but often sounds like a literal translation. Instead, use een doorbraak bereiken (to reach) or een doorbraak beleven (to experience/undergo).

Fout: We hebben eindelijk een doorbraak gemaakt.
Goed: We hebben eindelijk een doorbraak bereikt.

Another frequent issue is confusing doorbraak with its 'cousin' words: inbraak (burglary) and uitbraak (outbreak). While they all share the root 'braak', their meanings are entirely different. An inbraak is a crime, and an uitbraak is usually something negative like a virus or a prison escape. Using uitbraak when you mean a positive discovery is a major error.

Mistake 2: Preposition Problems: Learners often struggle with the preposition that follows the word. If you are talking about a breakthrough *in* a field, use in. If you are talking about a breakthrough *with* a group, use bij. Using met (with) in the context of an audience sounds clunky.

Fout: Zijn doorbraak met het publiek.
Goed: Zijn doorbraak bij het publiek.

Spelling is also a common hurdle. Remember that the plural doorbraken only has one 'a' in the second syllable. This is because the syllable becomes open (door-bra-ken), and in Dutch, a long 'a' in an open syllable is written with a single letter. Many learners mistakenly write 'doorbraaken', which is incorrect.

Mistake 3: Misusing the Register: Don't use doorbraak for minor things. If you finally learned how to use a can opener, that is not a doorbraak; it's just a succesje. Using such a heavy word for trivial matters can sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.

Context: If you say 'Ik had een doorbraak met het strijken van mijn overhemden,' people will think you are joking.

Finally, watch out for the verb doorbreken. While it is the verbal form, it has two different meanings depending on whether it is separable or inseparable. This is a high-level grammar point, but for now, focus on the noun doorbraak to avoid these complexities.

While doorbraak is a very specific and powerful word, there are several synonyms and related terms you can use depending on the context. Choosing the right alternative can help you sound more nuanced and avoid repetition in your writing.

Ontdekking vs. Doorbraak: An ontdekking (discovery) is simply finding something that was already there. A doorbraak implies that finding it solved a major problem or changed everything. You discover a new planet, but you have a breakthrough in space travel technology.

De ontdekking van Amerika was een historisch feit, maar de doorbraak in de navigatie maakte de reis mogelijk.

Another alternative is vooruitgang (progress). This is a much broader and less intense word. If things are moving forward slowly but surely, use vooruitgang. If there is a sudden jump forward after being stuck, use doorbraak.

Innovatie and Vernieuwing: In business and tech, innovatie (innovation) is the buzzword. While a doorbraak is an event, innovatie is often a process. Vernieuwing (renewal/innovation) is a more Germanic-rooted alternative to innovatie.

Het bedrijf staat bekend om zijn constante innovatie, wat vorig jaar leidde tot een grote doorbraak.

Mijlpaal (Milestone): A mijlpaal is a point of progress that has been reached. It is often planned or expected. A doorbraak is often more explosive and unexpected. You reach a milestone; you achieve a breakthrough.

Het behalen van het B2-examen is een belangrijke mijlpaal, maar de echte doorbraak komt als je vloeiend durft te spreken.

For more formal or literary contexts, you might see kentering (turning point). While a doorbraak is about forward motion, a kentering is about a change in direction or tide. Both imply a significant shift in a situation.

Quick Comparison Table: - Doorbraak: Sudden, overcomes barrier.
- Vooruitgang: General progress.
- Mijlpaal: Planned achievement.
- Ontdekking: Finding something new.

By knowing these alternatives, you can tailor your Dutch to the specific type of success or progress you are describing, making your speech more precise and professional.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

In the Netherlands, the word was historically feared because it referred to the sea breaking through the dikes. Today, it is almost always celebrated as a sign of progress.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈdoːr.braːk/

US /ˈdoʊr.brɑːk/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: DOOR-braak.

Rima com

spraak zaak taak raak haak kaak waak wraak

Erros comuns

Pronouncing 'oo' like the English 'oo' in 'food'. It should be like 'boat'.
Shortening the 'aa' sound in the second syllable.
Adding an extra 'e' sound at the end.
Forgetting to roll or tap the 'r'.
Mistaking the stress and putting it on the second syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

Easy to recognize due to English similarity.

Escrita 6/5

Requires knowledge of spelling rules for the plural and correct verb pairings.

Expressão oral 5/5

Pronunciation of the long vowels can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 4/5

Clear pronunciation in news and media.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

breken door succes belangrijk nieuws

Aprenda a seguir

innovatie ontdekking mijlpaal onderhandeling wetenschap

Avançado

paradigmaverschuiving omwenteling kentering stagnatie

Gramática essencial

Open Syllable Spelling Rule

Doorbraak (closed) -> Doorbraken (open, so one 'a' drops).

Compound Noun Formation

Dijk + doorbraak = dijkdoorbraak.

Prepositional Objects

Hopen + op (Hopen op een doorbraak).

Passive Voice with 'Worden'

De doorbraak wordt gevierd.

Separable vs Inseparable Verbs

De zon breekt door (separable) vs Hij doorbreekt de cirkel (inseparable).

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Exemplos por nível

Dit is een grote doorbraak voor hem.

This is a big breakthrough for him.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Is er een doorbraak in het nieuws?

Is there a breakthrough in the news?

Question form using 'Is er'.

De zanger heeft een doorbraak.

The singer has a breakthrough.

Using 'hebben' for possession of success.

Ik hoop op een kleine doorbraak.

I hope for a small breakthrough.

Preposition 'op' follows 'hopen'.

De doorbraak was heel goed.

The breakthrough was very good.

Simple adjective use.

Kijk, een doorbraak in de techniek!

Look, a breakthrough in technology!

Exclamatory sentence.

Wij wachten op de doorbraak.

We are waiting for the breakthrough.

Present continuous sense in Dutch.

Het is een nieuwe doorbraak.

It is a new breakthrough.

Using 'nieuw' as an adjective.

De wetenschappers vieren hun eerste doorbraak.

The scientists are celebrating their first breakthrough.

Possessive pronoun 'hun' used.

Er zijn veel doorbraken in de medische wereld.

There are many breakthroughs in the medical world.

Plural form 'doorbraken' with one 'a'.

Zijn doorbraak bij het publiek kwam snel.

His breakthrough with the public came quickly.

Preposition 'bij' for an audience.

Zonder hulp was er geen doorbraak.

Without help, there was no breakthrough.

Using 'geen' for negation.

Wanneer kwam de grote doorbraak?

When did the big breakthrough come?

Interrogative 'wanneer'.

Ik lees over een doorbraak in de krant.

I am reading about a breakthrough in the newspaper.

Preposition 'over' for the topic.

De politie meldt een doorbraak in de zaak.

The police report a breakthrough in the case.

Verb 'melden' (to report).

Dit medicijn is een belangrijke doorbraak.

This medicine is an important breakthrough.

Demonstrative pronoun 'dit'.

De onderhandelingen hebben eindelijk een doorbraak opgeleverd.

The negotiations have finally yielded a breakthrough.

Present perfect with 'opgeleverd'.

Men verwacht binnenkort een grote doorbraak in het onderzoek.

A major breakthrough in the research is expected soon.

Use of 'men' for general expectation.

Haar doorbraak als schrijfster was een verrassing voor iedereen.

Her breakthrough as a writer was a surprise to everyone.

Preposition 'als' for a role.

De uitvinder hoopt op een doorbraak in duurzame energie.

The inventor hopes for a breakthrough in sustainable energy.

Compound-like phrase 'duurzame energie'.

Er is een politieke doorbraak bereikt na urenlang overleg.

A political breakthrough has been reached after hours of consultation.

Passive voice 'is bereikt'.

Deze technologie kan zorgen voor een doorbraak op de markt.

This technology can ensure a breakthrough in the market.

Modal verb 'kan' + 'zorgen voor'.

Het team werkt hard om een doorbraak te forceren.

The team is working hard to force a breakthrough.

Infinitive construction with 'om...te'.

Na de doorbraak ging de ontwikkeling erg snel.

After the breakthrough, the development went very fast.

Preposition 'na' indicating time.

De wetenschappelijke doorbraak werd wereldwijd geprezen.

The scientific breakthrough was praised worldwide.

Passive past tense 'werd geprezen'.

Het was een doorbraak die niemand had zien aankomen.

It was a breakthrough that no one had seen coming.

Relative clause 'die...' with past perfect.

Zijn internationale doorbraak opende vele deuren voor hem.

His international breakthrough opened many doors for him.

Metaphorical use of 'deuren openen'.

De film betekende de definitieve doorbraak van de jonge regisseur.

The film signified the definitive breakthrough of the young director.

Verb 'betekenen' in the past tense.

Er is sprake van een doorbraak in de vastgelopen gesprekken.

There is a breakthrough in the stalled talks.

Fixed expression 'er is sprake van'.

Ondanks de doorbraak blijven er nog veel vragen onbeantwoord.

Despite the breakthrough, many questions remain unanswered.

Conjunction 'ondanks' (despite).

De doorbraak in de technologie leidde tot een revolutie.

The breakthrough in technology led to a revolution.

Verb 'leiden tot' (to lead to).

We moeten een doorbraak forceren om de deadline te halen.

We must force a breakthrough to meet the deadline.

Modal 'moeten' with 'forceren'.

De doorbraak in het kernfusieonderzoek is een mijlpaal voor de mensheid.

The breakthrough in nuclear fusion research is a milestone for humanity.

Complex noun phrases.

Zijn artistieke doorbraak viel samen met een periode van grote sociale onrust.

His artistic breakthrough coincided with a period of great social unrest.

Separable verb 'samenvallen' (to coincide).

De vermeende doorbraak bleek bij nader inzien slechts een kleine verbetering.

The alleged breakthrough turned out on closer inspection to be only a minor improvement.

Adjective 'vermeende' (alleged).

Men spreekt van een doorbraak wanneer een paradigma volledig verschuift.

One speaks of a breakthrough when a paradigm shifts completely.

Conditional 'wanneer' clause.

De politieke doorbraak kwam tot stand na intensieve diplomatieke druk.

The political breakthrough came about after intensive diplomatic pressure.

Phrasal verb 'tot stand komen'.

Zonder deze technologische doorbraak zou de missie onmogelijk zijn geweest.

Without this technological breakthrough, the mission would have been impossible.

Conditional perfect 'zou...zijn geweest'.

De doorbraak van de verzuiling veranderde het Nederlandse landschap radicaal.

The breakthrough of pillarization radically changed the Dutch landscape.

Historical reference 'verzuiling'.

Het rapport analyseert de factoren die hebben bijgedragen aan de doorbraak.

The report analyzes the factors that contributed to the breakthrough.

Relative clause with present perfect.

De doorbraak fungeerde als een katalysator voor verdere innovaties in de sector.

The breakthrough functioned as a catalyst for further innovations in the sector.

High-level vocabulary 'katalysator'.

In hoeverre kunnen we spreken van een doorbraak als de ethische bezwaren zo groot zijn?

To what extent can we speak of a breakthrough if the ethical objections are so great?

Rhetorical question 'In hoeverre'.

De doorbraak markeerde het einde van een tijdperk van onzekerheid en stagnatie.

The breakthrough marked the end of an era of uncertainty and stagnation.

Literary style.

Het was een doorbraak van ongekende proporties die de gehele markt ontwrichtte.

It was a breakthrough of unprecedented proportions that disrupted the entire market.

Adjective phrase 'van ongekende proporties'.

De intellectuele doorbraak kwam voort uit een synthese van uiteenlopende disciplines.

The intellectual breakthrough stemmed from a synthesis of divergent disciplines.

Verb 'voortkomen uit'.

Menigeen beschouwde de ontdekking als de ultieme doorbraak in het vakgebied.

Many considered the discovery the ultimate breakthrough in the field.

Formal pronoun 'menigeen'.

De doorbraak was weliswaar significant, maar de implementatie liet op zich wachten.

The breakthrough was significant indeed, but the implementation was long in coming.

Conjunction 'weliswaar...maar'.

Deze doorbraak effent de weg voor een toekomst zonder fossiele brandstoffen.

This breakthrough paves the way for a future without fossil fuels.

Idiom 'de weg effenen'.

Colocações comuns

grote doorbraak

wetenschappelijke doorbraak

medische doorbraak

internationale doorbraak

politieke doorbraak

een doorbraak forceren

een doorbraak bereiken

een doorbraak beleven

hopen op een doorbraak

marktdoorbraak

Frases Comuns

Er is een doorbraak.

— A breakthrough has occurred. Used in news or when solving a puzzle.

Eindelijk! Er is een doorbraak in het onderzoek.

Wachten op een doorbraak.

— Waiting for a significant development. Implies patience or frustration.

We wachten nog steeds op een doorbraak in de zaak.

Een beslissende doorbraak.

— A decisive breakthrough. One that finally ends the struggle.

Dit was de beslissende doorbraak in de oorlog.

Zijn definitieve doorbraak.

— His final/definitive breakthrough. Usually referring to career stability.

Dat boek was zijn definitieve doorbraak als auteur.

Geen doorbraak in zicht.

— No breakthrough in sight. Things are still stuck.

Helaas is er nog geen doorbraak in zicht.

Een onverwachte doorbraak.

— An unexpected breakthrough. A surprise success.

De onverwachte doorbraak verraste de hele wereld.

Zorgen voor een doorbraak.

— To cause or ensure a breakthrough.

Nieuwe bewijzen kunnen zorgen voor een doorbraak.

Leiden tot een doorbraak.

— To lead to a breakthrough.

De samenwerking leidde tot een grote doorbraak.

Een doorbraak in de onderhandelingen.

— A breakthrough in negotiations.

Er is een doorbraak in de onderhandelingen over het klimaat.

Een technologische doorbraak.

— A technological breakthrough.

De uitvinding van de transistor was een technologische doorbraak.

Frequentemente confundido com

doorbraak vs inbraak

Means 'burglary'. Don't confuse a success with a crime!

doorbraak vs uitbraak

Means 'outbreak' (e.g., of a disease). Usually negative.

doorbraak vs afbraak

Means 'demolition' or 'breakdown'. The opposite of building something up.

Expressões idiomáticas

"De ban breken"

— To break the spell or the ice; to finally achieve something after many failures.

Met dit doelpunt heeft de spits eindelijk de ban gebroken.

neutral

"Een bres slaan"

— To make a breach; to make the first step in overcoming a problem.

Het nieuwe bewijs sloeg een bres in de verdediging.

literary/formal

"Het ijs breken"

— To break the ice; to start a conversation or ease tension.

Een grapje hielp om het ijs te breken.

informal

"Een nieuwe weg inslaan"

— To take a new path; to change strategy which might lead to a breakthrough.

Het bedrijf besloot een nieuwe weg in te slaan.

neutral

"De knoop doorhakken"

— To cut the knot; to make a final, difficult decision.

De directeur hakte eindelijk de knoop door.

neutral

"Licht aan het einde van de tunnel zien"

— To see light at the end of the tunnel; to see a breakthrough coming.

Na jaren onderzoek zien we eindelijk licht aan het einde van de tunnel.

neutral

"Over de drempel zijn"

— To be over the threshold; to have passed the hardest part.

Nu we de financiering hebben, zijn we over de drempel.

neutral

"De weg vrijmaken voor"

— To clear the way for; to enable a breakthrough to happen.

Deze wet maakt de weg vrij voor nieuwe innovaties.

formal

"Een gat in de markt vinden"

— To find a gap in the market; a business breakthrough.

Hij vond een gat in de markt met zijn nieuwe app.

business

"Voet aan de grond krijgen"

— To get a foothold; to start being successful in a new area.

Het merk probeert voet aan de grond te krijgen in Amerika.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

doorbraak vs doorbreken

It is the verb form.

As a verb, it can be separable (the sun breaks through) or inseparable (to break a habit).

De zon breekt door. vs Hij doorbreekt het patroon.

doorbraak vs ontdekking

Both involve finding something new.

A discovery is finding what exists; a breakthrough is overcoming a barrier to progress.

De ontdekking van een eiland vs De doorbraak in de navigatie.

doorbraak vs vordering

Both mean progress.

Vordering is incremental; doorbraak is sudden and major.

We maken vordering met de bouw. vs De doorbraak in de architectuur.

doorbraak vs innovatie

Both used in tech.

Innovation is the process; breakthrough is the specific event or result.

Innovatie is belangrijk voor ons bedrijf. vs We hadden gisteren een doorbraak.

doorbraak vs mijlpaal

Both refer to important points.

A milestone is a marked point in a journey; a breakthrough is a forceful advancement.

Het behalen van 1000 klanten is een mijlpaal. vs De nieuwe techniek was een doorbraak.

Padrões de frases

Het is een [adjective] doorbraak.

Het is een grote doorbraak.

Er is een doorbraak in [field].

Er is een doorbraak in de zaak.

Wij hopen op een doorbraak voor [purpose].

Wij hopen op een doorbraak voor het milieu.

Hij/zij bereikte een doorbraak bij [audience].

Zij bereikte een doorbraak bij het grote publiek.

Deze doorbraak betekent dat [consequence].

Deze doorbraak betekent dat we sneller kunnen werken.

Ondanks de doorbraak [contrast].

Ondanks de doorbraak is er nog veel werk.

De doorbraak kwam tot stand door [cause].

De doorbraak kwam tot stand door jarenlang onderzoek.

In het licht van deze doorbraak [implication].

In het licht van deze doorbraak moeten we ons beleid herzien.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

doorbraak

dijkdoorbraak

marktdoorbraak

Verbos

doorbreken

breken

Adjetivos

doorgebroken

Relacionado

uitbraak

inbraak

afbraak

aanbraak

onderbreking

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Como usar

frequency

Common in professional, academic, and media contexts.

Erros comuns

Een doorbraak maken → Een doorbraak bereiken / beleven
In Dutch, we don't 'make' a breakthrough, we 'reach' or 'experience' it.
De doorbraaken → De doorbraken
The plural loses an 'a' because the syllable becomes open.
Een uitbraak in de wetenschap → Een doorbraak in de wetenschap
'Uitbraak' is for diseases or prisoners; 'doorbraak' is for progress.
Zijn doorbraak met het publiek → Zijn doorbraak bij het publiek
The preposition 'bij' is used for the audience that recognizes the success.
Het doorbraak → De doorbraak
'Doorbraak' is a 'de-word', not a 'het-word'.

Dicas

Plural Spelling

Always remember to drop the second 'a' in the plural: doorbraken. This is a classic Dutch spelling trap for learners.

Avoid False Friends

Don't confuse 'doorbraak' with 'inbraak' (burglary). One brings fame, the other brings the police!

Use with 'Beleven'

When talking about an artist or yourself, 'een doorbraak beleven' (to experience a breakthrough) sounds very natural.

Medical Breakthroughs

In Dutch, 'medische doorbraak' is a very common collocation. Use it when discussing health news.

Force the Issue

Use 'een doorbraak forceren' when you want to describe taking a risk to solve a problem.

News Keywords

If you hear 'doorbraak' on the news, pay attention—it means something important just happened.

Through the Door

Associate 'door' with 'through'. You are going through the door to success.

Dike History

Knowing that it literally means a dike breach helps you understand the 'power' behind the word.

Long Vowels

Make sure both 'oo' and 'aa' are long. Shortening them can change the meaning or make you hard to understand.

Scientific Papers

Look for this word in the 'Conclusie' section of Dutch research papers to find the main discovery.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'Door' that you 'Break' through to get to the 'Success' on the other side. DOOR-BRAAK.

Associação visual

Imagine a scientist punching through a brick wall that has 'PROBLEM' written on it.

Word Web

Succes Wetenschap Ontdekking Mijlpaal Dijk Muziek Politiek Innovatie

Desafio

Try to use 'doorbraak' in a sentence about your favorite hobby or your career goals.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Middle Dutch word 'dorebrake'. It is a combination of 'door' (through) and 'braak' (a breaking).

Significado original: The act of breaking through something, specifically used for dikes or walls.

Germanic (Dutch), cognate with German 'Durchbruch'.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using it in the context of dikes in flood-prone areas, as it can still carry a negative, literal meaning.

The English 'breakthrough' is an exact equivalent in almost every context.

The 'Doorbraak' movement in Dutch politics post-WWII. Scientific headlines about TU Delft innovations. Pop music charts often use the term 'Breakthrough of the Year'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Science and Research

Een doorbraak in het lab
Wetenschappelijke doorbraak
Publiceren over een doorbraak
Hopen op een medische doorbraak

Politics and Diplomacy

Doorbraak in de formatie
Een politieke doorbraak bereiken
De impasse doorbreken
Na urenlang overleg een doorbraak

Arts and Entertainment

De grote doorbraak van een acteur
Internationale doorbraak
Beleven van een doorbraak
Sinds zijn doorbraak...

Business and Economy

Een marktdoorbraak realiseren
Technologische doorbraak
Zorgen voor een doorbraak in de verkoop
Wachten op een economische doorbraak

Personal Growth

Een persoonlijke doorbraak
Doorbraak in therapie
Eindelijk een doorbraak in mijn studie
Een mentale doorbraak

Iniciadores de conversa

"Wat was volgens jou de grootste technologische doorbraak van de afgelopen tien jaar?"

"Heb je ooit een persoonlijke doorbraak beleefd tijdens het leren van een nieuwe taal?"

"Wanneer denk je dat er een doorbraak komt in de strijd tegen klimaatverandering?"

"Welke artiest had volgens jou de meest indrukwekkende doorbraak van dit jaar?"

"Zou een doorbraak in kunstmatige intelligentie gevaarlijk kunnen zijn?"

Temas para diário

Schrijf over een moment in je leven dat je als een 'doorbraak' beschouwt. Wat veranderde er daarna?

Welke wetenschappelijke doorbraak zou je het liefst willen zien in de komende vijf jaar?

Stel je voor dat je een beroemde zanger bent. Beschrijf de dag van je grote doorbraak.

Is een doorbraak altijd positief? Geef voorbeelden van een negatieve doorbraak.

Hoe kun je een doorbraak forceren als je ergens in vastloopt?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Almost always, yes. It signifies progress or discovery. The only major exception is 'dijkdoorbraak', which refers to a flood. In metaphorical use, it is overwhelmingly positive. For example, 'een doorbraak in het kankeronderzoek' is clearly good news.

It’s better not to. 'Doorbraak' implies a significant barrier was overcome. If you finally learned a single word, that's a 'succesje'. If you finally understood the entire Dutch grammar system, that could be a 'doorbraak'. Using it for small things can sound sarcastic.

'Bereiken' (to reach) is neutral and suggests the breakthrough happened as a result of work. 'Forceren' (to force) suggests that there was a deadlock and you had to take a bold or aggressive step to make something happen. For example, 'De minister forceerde een doorbraak in de staking'.

This is due to Dutch spelling rules. In the singular 'doorbraak', the 'aa' is in a closed syllable. In the plural 'door-bra-ken', the syllable is open. In an open syllable, a long 'a' is written with only one letter. This applies to many Dutch words like 'taak/taken'.

Yes, very often. When a young player suddenly starts playing in the first team and performs well, it is called their 'doorbraak'. You might also hear about a 'doorbraakseizoen' (breakthrough season).

No, 'doorbraak' is only a noun. The verb is 'doorbreken'. You can say 'De artiest is doorgebroken' (The artist has broken through) using the past participle of the verb.

It depends on the context. Use 'in' for a field (in de wetenschap), 'bij' for an audience (bij het publiek), and 'voor' for a purpose (voor de vrede). 'Hopen op' is the standard verb-preposition pair.

It is common in professional life and in the media. In casual daily conversation, it is used less frequently unless discussing important life events, careers, or the news. It is a B2-level word for a reason; it's quite specific.

This refers to a moment when political parties, who were previously unable to agree, finally find a solution or form a coalition. It is a very common phrase in Dutch news during election cycles or cabinet formations.

In standard Dutch (ABN), the 'r' is either rolled with the tip of the tongue or produced in the back of the throat (uvular). The most important thing for English speakers is to avoid the 'soft' English 'r' and ensure the vowels 'oo' and 'aa' are long and clear.

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