die Brechstange
crowbar
A metal bar used to pry, move, or break apart heavy objects.
EXAMPLE
Mit der Brechstange hebelte er die verklemmte Tür auf.
He used the crowbar to pry open the jammed door.
die Brechstange
crowbar
die Brechstange, die Brechstangen
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Meanings
mit der Brechstange
with brute force
To tackle something with brute force or with a ruthless, heavy-handed approach.
EXAMPLE
Die Regierung wollte das Problem mit der Brechstange lösen.
The government wanted to solve the problem with brute force.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Brechstange, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Brechstangen |
| genitive | der Brechstange |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Brechstange | die Brechstangen |
| accusative | die Brechstange | die Brechstangen |
| dative | der Brechstange | den Brechstangen |
| genitive | der Brechstange | der Brechstangen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Brechstange' (crowbar) combines the stem of 'brechen' (to break) with 'Stange' (bar). The first component points to its original function: the bar can be used to break something open or force things apart.
EXAMPLE
Er holte die Brechstange aus dem Werkzeugschuppen.
He fetched the crowbar from the tool shed.
Typical collocations
When referring to the physical tool, 'Brechstange' (crowbar) often occurs with verbs such as 'aufhebeln' (to pry open), 'aufbrechen' (to break open), and 'anheben' (to lift). The preposition 'mit' (with) indicates the tool being used.
EXAMPLE
Mit einer Brechstange konnten die Arbeiter den schweren Stein anheben.
The workers were able to lift the heavy stone with a crowbar.
Fixed expression
In the figurative expression 'mit der Brechstange vorgehen' (to use brute force), 'die Brechstange' (the crowbar) represents a particularly heavy-handed approach. This expression often refers to political decisions, negotiations, or attempts to solve problems.
EXAMPLE
Bei den Verhandlungen sollte niemand mit der Brechstange vorgehen.
No one should use brute force in the negotiations.
In real life
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