aufbrechen
to set off
To start on one's way; to begin a trip, hike, or march.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen früh aufbrechen, wenn wir vor Einbruch der Dunkelheit ankommen wollen.
We have to set off early if we want to arrive before nightfall.
aufbrechen
to set off / to break open
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
aufbrechen
to break open
To open something by force, for example a door, a lock, or a box.
EXAMPLE
Die Diebe haben in der Nacht die Haustür aufgebrochen.
The thieves broke open the front door during the night.
aufbrechen
to burst open
To open or split open by itself, for example in the case of a wound, a bud, or cracked earth.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem langen Winter brechen die ersten Knospen an den Bäumen auf.
After the long winter, the first buds on the trees burst open.
aufbrechen
to break up
To change, dissolve, or modernize fixed structures, rules, or patterns of thought.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Bewegung will die verkrusteten gesellschaftlichen Strukturen aufbrechen.
The new movement wants to break up the rigid social structures.
Usage tips
Separable verb
'Aufbrechen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf-' stands at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Wir brechen morgen bei Sonnenaufgang auf.
We are setting off tomorrow at sunrise.
Auxiliary verb: sein or haben
The perfect tense is formed with 'sein' (to be) when it is about movement (starting a journey) or a change of state (a bud opens). For an active action with an object (opening a door), 'haben' (to have) is used.
EXAMPLE
Die Wandergruppe ist schon aufgebrochen.
The hiking group has already set off.
Context clue
When 'aufbrechen' is used without an object, it usually means 'sich auf den Weg machen' (to set off). If it has an object, it often means 'gewaltsam öffnen' (to break open by force) with concrete objects, or 'verändern' (to change) with abstract terms.
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteiger brechen in einer Stunde auf.
The mountaineers are setting off in an hour.
Abstract use
In a figurative, abstract meaning, 'aufbrechen' is often used with nouns such as 'Strukturen' (structures), 'Regeln' (rules), 'Denkmuster' (patterns of thought), or 'Traditionen' (traditions) to describe modernization or dissolution.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Chefin will die starren Hierarchien im Unternehmen aufbrechen.
The new boss wants to break up the rigid hierarchies in the company.
Compare with
aufbrechen vs auflösen
to dissolve / resolve
Auflösen ends a group or organization so that it no longer continues to exist. Aufbrechen, by contrast, changes fixed structures, rules, or ways of thinking without necessarily ending the organization. If the group is meant to disappear, auflösen is the right choice; if it is meant to change, aufbrechen is appropriate.
aufbrechen
Die Leitung bricht die starren Strukturen der Arbeitsgruppe auf, damit sie moderner arbeiten kann.
The management is breaking up the workgroup’s rigid structures so that it can work in a more modern way.
auflösen
Die Leitung löst die alte Arbeitsgruppe auf, weil sie nicht weiterbestehen soll.
The management is dissolving the old workgroup because it is not meant to continue.
In real life
Loading video examples...