01
ausbrechen
to break out
To escape by force or secretly from a closed place, especially a prison.
example
Zwei Häftlingen ist es gelungen, aus dem Gefängnis auszubrechen.
Two prisoners managed to break out of the prison.
ausbrechen
to break out
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Ausbrechen' (to break out) is a separable verb. The prefix 'aus' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Der Vulkan bricht unerwartet aus.
The volcano breaks out unexpectedly.
Perfect tense with 'sein'
The perfect tense of 'ausbrechen' (to break out) is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein', because it describes a sudden change of state or place.
EXAMPLE
Letzte Nacht ist ein Feuer im Keller ausgebrochen.
Last night, a fire broke out in the basement.
Context clue
In the meaning 'to begin suddenly', the subjects are typically impersonal, often negative events such as a fire, a war, a disease, a storm, or an argument.
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich brach ein heftiger Streit zwischen den Nachbarn aus.
Suddenly, a fierce argument broke out between the neighbors.
Fixed expressions
This meaning is used in fixed expressions to describe sudden emotional reactions. Common combinations are 'in Tränen ausbrechen' (to burst into tears), 'in Gelächter ausbrechen' (to burst into laughter), or 'in Panik ausbrechen' (to panic).
EXAMPLE
Als er den Witz hörte, brach er in lautes Gelächter aus.
When he heard the joke, he burst into loud laughter.
Sentence structure with dative
When a part of something breaks off, the person this happens to is often in the dative. The broken-off piece is the subject of the sentence.
EXAMPLE
Mir ist gestern beim Essen ein Stück vom Zahn ausgebrochen.
Yesterday while eating, a piece of my tooth broke off.
Compare with
ausbrechen vs beginnen
to begin
'beginnen' and 'ausbrechen' can both describe a beginning. The difference lies in the type of beginning. 'beginnen' is neutral and can be used for almost any action or event. 'ausbrechen' is used when something starts suddenly, intensely, and often uncontrollably, for example a fire, a disease, a war, or sudden laughter or crying. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with 'anfangen' (to start). A simple rule is: use 'beginnen' for a normal start, and 'ausbrechen' for a sudden and violent or intense start.
ausbrechen
Wegen eines alten Kabels bricht in der Werkstatt plötzlich ein Feuer aus.
Because of an old cable, a fire suddenly breaks out in the workshop.
beginnen
Bei der Arbeit beginnt die Gruppe jeden Montag mit einer kurzen Planung.
At work, the group begins every Monday with a short planning session.
In real life
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