01
der Break
break
A short pause or interruption from an activity in order to recover.
example
Lass uns einen kurzen Break machen und einen Kaffee trinken.
Let's take a short break and have a coffee.
der Break
break
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
'Break' is an English loanword that is used mainly in colloquial language and in certain scenes or contexts, such as sports, music, and the office. It sounds modern and informal.
EXAMPLE
Ich arbeite schon drei Stunden, ich brauche jetzt echt mal einen Break.
I've been working for three hours; I really need a break now.
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'Break' is almost always clear from the context. If you're talking about work, it means a pause. In a conversation about tennis, it refers to winning a game, and in music to a rhythmic pause.
EXAMPLE
Der entscheidende Moment im Match war das Break im zweiten Satz.
The decisive moment in the match was the break in the second set.
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'Pause' (break), 'Break' is very often combined with the verbs 'machen' (to make/do) or 'einlegen' (to insert/take). A typical question at the office or among friends is: 'Machen wir einen kurzen Break?' (Shall we take a short break?)
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten nach dieser Besprechung einen kleinen Break einlegen.
We should take a short break after this meeting.
Use in sports
In tennis, people say that a player 'ein Break schafft' (manages a break) or that 'ein Break gelingt' (a break succeeds) for them. The opponent who loses their service game 'kassiert ein Break' (concedes a break).
EXAMPLE
Ihr gelang im letzten Moment noch das Break zum Satzgewinn.
She managed the break at the last moment to win the set.
Compare with
Break vs Pause
break / pause
'die Pause' and 'der Break' can both mean a short interruption during which you rest or do something else. 'Pause' is the normal German word and fits almost all everyday situations, for example at school, at work, or in sports. 'Break' sounds more modern and casual and is used more in informal conversations or in certain work and media contexts. If you want to speak neutrally, 'Pause' is usually more natural.
Break
Nach dem Meeting machen wir einen kleinen Break und holen Kaffee.
After the meeting, we'll take a little break and get coffee.
Pause
In der Pause gehe ich kurz an die frische Luft.
During the break, I go outside for some fresh air.
In real life
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