01
der Bruch
fracture
The breaking of a bone in the body; a fracture.
example
Beim Skifahren hat er sich einen komplizierten Bruch im Bein zugezogen.
He suffered a complicated fracture in his leg while skiing.
der Bruch
break / fracture / fraction
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Der Bruch' is the noun corresponding to the strong verb 'brechen' (to break). Almost all meanings of 'Bruch' derive from the idea that something breaks—literally or figuratively.
EXAMPLE
Das Brechen des Glases verursachte einen lauten Knall.
The breaking of the glass caused a loud bang.
Compound formation
'Bruch' is often part of compound nouns that make the meaning more precise. The first word explains what is broken: 'Beinbruch' (broken leg / bone fracture), 'Vertragsbruch' (breach of contract), 'Steinbruch' (quarry).
EXAMPLE
Ein Ehebruch kann zur Scheidung führen.
Adultery can lead to divorce.
Typical phrase
In the medical sense ('Knochenbruch' = bone fracture), the phrase 'sich einen Bruch zuziehen' (to suffer a fracture) is often used.
EXAMPLE
Beim Fußball hat er sich einen komplizierten Bruch zugezogen.
He suffered a complicated fracture while playing soccer.
Typical collocations
When it is about the violation of rules, 'Bruch' often appears with a genitive or in a compound. Typical examples are: 'der Bruch des Gesetzes' (the breaking of the law), 'ein Vertrauensbruch' (a breach of trust), or 'ein Regelbruch' (a rule violation).
EXAMPLE
Das war ein klarer Bruch seines Versprechens.
That was a clear breach of his promise.
Sentence structure with preposition
When the end of a relationship is meant, the preposition 'mit' (with) or 'zwischen' (between) is often used: 'der Bruch mit jemandem' (the break with someone) or 'der Bruch zwischen zwei Parteien' (the break between two parties).
EXAMPLE
Der Streit führte zum Bruch zwischen den beiden Geschäftspartnern.
The argument led to a break between the two business partners.
Math context clue
In the context of mathematics, numbers, numerators, or denominators, 'Bruch' always means 'fraction'.
EXAMPLE
In der Grundschule lernt man, wie man mit Brüchen rechnet.
In elementary school, you learn how to calculate with fractions.
Geology context clue
When stones, rock, or the extraction of materials are being discussed, 'Bruch' means 'Steinbruch' (quarry).
EXAMPLE
Aus diesem Bruch stammt der Sandstein für die Kirche.
The sandstone for the church comes from this quarry.
Compare with
Bruch vs Trennung
separation
'die Trennung' and 'der Bruch' can both mean the end of a relationship, friendship, or cooperation. 'Trennung' usually sounds more neutral and describes the fact that people or groups are no longer together. It can be planned, calm, or also painful. 'Bruch' sounds stronger and often harsher: something ends suddenly, clearly, and often after a conflict. Learners may confuse the words because both describe an ending. When it is about people or groups going separate ways, 'Trennung' fits. When the ending feels abrupt and final, 'Bruch' is more precise.
Bruch
Der Streit führte zu einem Bruch zwischen den alten Freunden.
The argument led to a break between the old friends.
Trennung
Die Trennung von ihrem Partner war für sie sehr schwer.
The separation from her partner was very hard for her.
In real life
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