01
anbrechen
to dawn
The beginning of a new period of time, especially a day, a night, or a new era.
example
Als der Morgen anbrach, machten sich die Wanderer auf den Weg.
When morning dawned, the hikers set off.
anbrechen
to dawn / to open / to crack
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Anbrechen' (to dawn/to open/to crack) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'an-' moves to the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ein neuer Tag bricht an.
A new day dawns.
Different auxiliary verbs
Pay attention to the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense! When a period of time begins, 'sein' (to be) is used. When someone opens a package or cracks/breaks something, 'haben' (to have) is used.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Ära ist angebrochen.
The new era has dawned.
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning from the subject of the sentence. If the subject is a time expression like 'der Tag' (the day) or 'die Nacht' (the night), it is about the beginning. If the subject is a person, it is about opening a package or about an injury.
EXAMPLE
Der letzte Tag des Urlaubs brach an.
The last day of vacation dawned.
Typical subjects
When a period of time begins, 'anbrechen' (to dawn) is often used with subjects like 'der Morgen' (the morning), 'der Tag' (the day), 'die Nacht' (the night), or also figuratively with 'ein neues Zeitalter' (a new age) or 'eine neue Ära' (a new era).
EXAMPLE
Mit dieser Erfindung ist ein neues Zeitalter angebrochen.
With this invention, a new age has dawned.
Reflexive usage
When it refers to an injury, the verb is often used reflexively with the dative: 'sich etwas anbrechen' (to crack/fracture something). The injured person is the subject, and the body part is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Er hat sich beim Fußballspielen den Zeh angebrochen.
He cracked his toe while playing soccer.
Compare with
anbrechen vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'anbrechen' can both express the beginning of something. 'beginnen' is general and can be used for actions, courses, conversations, or events. 'anbrechen' is used mainly for periods of time such as a day, night, morning, or a new era. It sounds somewhat more figurative or elevated. So you say: 'Der Unterricht beginnt' (class begins), but 'Der Morgen bricht an' (morning dawns). For normal activities, 'beginnen' is more natural.
anbrechen
Als die Nacht anbricht, werden die Straßen im Dorf still.
As night falls, the streets in the village become quiet.
beginnen
Sie beginnt die Reise früh, damit sie am Abend im Hotel ist.
She begins the trip early so that she will be at the hotel in the evening.
In real life
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