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die Bresche
breach
A gap or opening in a wall, rampart, or defensive line created by force, for example by shelling or an explosion.
example
Die Angreifer schlugen eine Bresche in die Stadtmauer.
The attackers made a breach in the city wall.
die Bresche
breach
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Context clue
The verb reveals the meaning: verbs like 'schlagen' (to strike/make), 'brechen' (to break), or 'schießen' (to shoot) point to the literal meaning, a gap in a wall. The verb 'springen' (to jump), on the other hand, is part of the fixed idiom.
EXAMPLE
Die Artillerie schoss eine Bresche in die Festungsmauer.
The artillery blasted a breach in the fortress wall.
Typical collocations
In the literal, military sense, a breach is typically 'geschlagen' (made), 'gebrochen' (broken), or 'geschossen' (shot/blasted) 'in eine Mauer' (in a wall) or 'in die Verteidigung' (in the defenses).
EXAMPLE
Mit einer Ramme brachen sie eine Bresche in das Tor.
With a battering ram, they broke a breach in the gate.
Fixed expression
The idiom is 'für jemanden in die Bresche springen' (to step into the breach for someone). The preposition 'für' introduces the person or thing being helped. The expression is used as a whole.
EXAMPLE
Als niemand helfen wollte, ist sie für ihre Nachbarin in die Bresche gesprungen.
When no one wanted to help, she stepped into the breach for her neighbor.
Compare with
Bresche vs Loch
hole
'das Loch' and 'die Bresche' can both refer to an opening in something solid. 'Loch' is the general word for a hole or indentation and fits in many everyday situations. 'Bresche' is much more specific: it is created by force, for example by shelling or an explosion, usually in a wall or defensive structure. The word sounds more historical, military, or figurative. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Bresche' is also a kind of hole. But for ordinary things like clothing, paper, or tires, you do not say 'Bresche'; you say 'Loch'.
Bresche
Die Explosion riss eine breite Bresche in die alte Mauer.
The explosion tore a wide breach in the old wall.
Loch
Du solltest das Loch im Zelt reparieren, bevor wir morgen weiterreisen.
You should repair the hole in the tent before we travel on tomorrow.
In real life
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