VERB

brechen/ˈbʁɛçn̩/to break

brechen is a German verb that means to break. It is pronounced /ˈbʁɛçn̩/. In conjugation, the simple past is "brach" and the past participle is "gebrochen".

Definitions

1.to (cause to) break something into pieces; become broken(physical objects)

a.to break something (transitive)

Er hat das Glas versehentlich gebrochen.He broke the glass accidentally.

b.to break (intransitive; become broken)

Der Ast ist bei dem Sturm gebrochen.The branch broke during the storm.

2.to defeat, crush, shatter (abstract/conceptual)(figurative; spirit, voice, code, etc.)

a.to break someone’s spirit or resistance

Die schlechte Nachricht hat ihren Lebensmut gebrochen.The bad news broke her spirit.

Conjugation

Infinitivebrechen
Present (ich)breche
Present (du)brichst
Present (er/sie/es)bricht
Preterite (ich)brach
Participle IIgebrochen
Konjunktiv II (ich)bräche
Imperative (singular)brich
Imperative (plural)brecht
Auxiliaryhaben

Frequently asked questions

What does "brechen" mean in English?
"brechen" means to break. It is a German verb.
How do you pronounce "brechen"?
"brechen" is pronounced /ˈbʁɛçn̩/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet.
What is the past participle of "brechen"?
The past participle (Partizip II) of "brechen" is "gebrochen", used with the auxiliary "haben".
What is the simple past of "brechen"?
In the simple past (Präteritum), "brechen" becomes "brach" in the first person singular.
What part of speech is "brechen"?
"brechen" is a verb in German.

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