01
die Bremse
brake
A technical device on a vehicle or machine used to reduce speed or bring it to a stop.
example
Vor der Kurve musste der Fahrer stark auf die Bremse treten.
Before the curve, the driver had to step hard on the brake.
die Bremse
brake / horsefly
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Bremse' belongs to the word family of the verb 'bremsen' (to brake). The noun refers to the device, while the verb describes the action of reducing speed.
EXAMPLE
Du musst stärker bremsen, die Ampel ist rot!
You need to brake harder; the traffic light is red!
Context clue
The three meanings can be distinguished well from context. If people are talking about vehicles or machines, the technical device is meant. In the context of nature and insects, the animal is meant. In discussions about economics or politics, the figurative meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die Bremsen an meinem Fahrrad funktionieren nicht mehr richtig.
The brakes on my bicycle don't work properly anymore.
Fixed expression
When talking about the brake in a car, the most common and natural phrasing is 'auf die Bremse treten' (to step on the brake). Here you use the verb 'treten' (to step), not 'drücken' (to press) or 'schieben' (to push).
EXAMPLE
Als ein Kind auf die Straße lief, trat der Fahrer sofort auf die Bremse.
When a child ran into the street, the driver immediately stepped on the brake.
Typical collocations
In the figurative meaning, 'Bremse' is often used with the verbs 'sein' (to be) or 'wirken' (to act/function). Typical phrases are 'eine Bremse für etwas sein' (to be a brake on something) or 'als Bremse wirken' (to act as a brake).
EXAMPLE
Seine pessimistische Haltung war eine echte Bremse für das ganze Team.
His pessimistic attitude was a real brake on the whole team.
Compare with
Bremse vs Antrieb
drive
'der Antrieb' and 'die Bremse' can be opposites because they act in different directions. Technically, an Antrieb sets a vehicle or machine in motion, while a Bremse slows the movement down or stops it. The contrast also works figuratively: an inner Antrieb helps a person become active. A Bremse is then something that hinders progress or development. Memory aid: der Antrieb moves something forward; die Bremse holds it back.
Bremse
Vor der Kurve trat Sofia auf die Bremse, weil die Straße nass war.
Before the curve, Sofia stepped on the brake because the road was wet.
Antrieb
Der neue Antrieb macht das E-Bike am Berg deutlich stärker.
The new drive system makes the e-bike much more powerful on hills.
In real life
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