der Aufbruch
departure
The beginning of a journey or the act of leaving a place.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem letzten Kaffee war es Zeit für den Aufbruch zum Bahnhof.
After one last coffee, it was time for the departure to the train station.
der Aufbruch
departure / new beginning
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Meanings
der Aufbruch
new beginning
The beginning of a new era, a movement, or a significant change in society or thought.
EXAMPLE
Die Erfindung des Internets markierte einen digitalen Aufbruch in eine neue Zeit.
The invention of the internet marked a digital new beginning in a new age.
der Aufbruch
forced opening
The forced opening of something, for example a door, a lock, or the ground.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei fand am Fenster deutliche Spuren eines Aufbruchs.
The police found clear signs of a forced opening at the window.
Usage tips
Word family
'Der Aufbruch' (departure / new beginning) comes from the verb 'aufbrechen' (to break open; to set off). The literal meaning 'to open something by force' ('eine Tür aufbrechen' — to break open a door) is transferred to other contexts: you 'bricht auf' (set off) on a journey or into a new era.
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderer brachen schon früh am Morgen auf.
The hikers set off early in the morning.
Context clue
The meaning becomes clear from the context. If it is about travel, it means the start or departure. In a historical or social context, it means the beginning of a new era. In connection with crime or violence, it means forced opening.
EXAMPLE
Der Aufbruch in den Urlaub ist für morgen früh geplant.
The departure for vacation is planned for early tomorrow morning.
Typical expression
In the sense of 'Abreise' (departure), the phrase 'Zeit für den Aufbruch' (time to set off) is often used. It signals that you now have to get going.
EXAMPLE
Es wird dunkel, es ist Zeit für den Aufbruch.
It's getting dark; it's time to set off.
Compound: Aufbruchstimmung
In the figurative sense, 'Aufbruch' (new beginning) is often combined into the word 'die Aufbruchstimmung' (spirit of optimism / mood of new beginnings). It describes an optimistic feeling of a fresh start in a group or society.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem politischen Wechsel herrschte im Land eine große Aufbruchstimmung.
After the political change, there was a strong spirit of optimism in the country.
Compare with
Aufbruch vs Einbruch
break-in / onset
Einbruch and Aufbruch can both involve forcibly opening doors or locks. Einbruch additionally refers to unlawfully entering a building, while Aufbruch only emphasizes the act of opening something. Use Aufbruch for the damaged door or lock and Einbruch for the entry.
Aufbruch
Der Aufbruch der Bürotür hinterließ tiefe Kratzer am Schloss.
The forced opening of the office door left deep scratches on the lock.
Einbruch
Nach dem Einbruch in das Büro fehlten mehrere Computer.
Several computers were missing after the break-in at the office.
In real life
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