01
der Ausbruch
outbreak
The sudden beginning of something negative or intense, such as a disease, a war, or a fire.
example
Der Ausbruch der Grippewelle führte zu vielen Krankmeldungen.
The outbreak of the flu wave led to many sick notes.
der Ausbruch
outbreak / escape
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The word comes from the separable verb 'ausbrechen' (to break out). The basic idea of 'breaking out of something' connects all meanings: a disease breaks out, a prisoner breaks out, feelings break out of a person, or lava breaks out of a volcano.
EXAMPLE
Als der Clown die Torte fallen ließ, brachen alle in Gelächter aus.
When the clown dropped the cake, everyone burst out laughing.
Context clue
Although the word has many meanings, it is usually immediately clear in the sentence what is meant. Words like 'Krankheit' (disease), 'Gefängnis' (prison), 'Wut' (anger), or 'Vulkan' (volcano) signal the specific meaning.
EXAMPLE
Der Ausbruch des Feuers konnte schnell gestoppt werden.
The outbreak of the fire was quickly stopped.
Typical collocations
In this meaning, 'Ausbruch' (outbreak) is often connected with negative events. Typical formulations are 'der Ausbruch einer Krankheit' (the outbreak of a disease), 'der Ausbruch eines Krieges' (the outbreak of a war), or the phrase 'etwas kommt zum Ausbruch' (something breaks out).
EXAMPLE
Die Pandemie kam im Winter zum Ausbruch.
The pandemic broke out in winter.
Correct preposition
For an escape, the place someone is fleeing from is given with the preposition 'aus' (from/out of) and the dative. A typical combination is 'der Ausbruch aus dem Gefängnis' (the escape from prison).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht den Ausbruch aus der Justizvollzugsanstalt.
The police are investigating the escape from the correctional facility.
Compound nouns
In connection with feelings, 'Ausbruch' (outburst) is often part of a compound noun. The best-known example is 'der Wutausbruch' (outburst of anger).
EXAMPLE
Sein plötzlicher Wutausbruch hat alle erschreckt.
His sudden outburst of anger frightened everyone.
Typical collocations
In a geological context, the fixed combination 'der Ausbruch eines Vulkans' (the eruption of a volcano) or simply 'der Vulkanausbruch' (volcanic eruption) is common.
EXAMPLE
Die Anwohner wurden vor dem Ausbruch des Vulkans gewarnt.
The residents were warned before the eruption of the volcano.
Compare with
Ausbruch vs Anfang
beginning
'der Anfang' and 'der Ausbruch' can both describe the beginning of something. 'der Anfang' is neutral and can be used for almost anything. 'der Ausbruch' means the sudden beginning of something intense or negative, for example a disease, a fire, or a war. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to a point at the start. The difference is the effect: 'Anfang' only says that something begins; 'Ausbruch' says that it begins suddenly and usually dangerously or intensely.
Ausbruch
Nach dem Ausbruch der Krankheit mussten viele Veranstaltungen ausfallen.
After the outbreak of the disease, many events had to be canceled.
Anfang
Nach der Arbeit planen wir den Anfang unserer Reise.
After work, we are planning the beginning of our trip.
In real life
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