breakthrough
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breakthrough
A sudden, decisive success, especially in science, art, or a career, that opens up new possibilities.
Der Schauspielerin gelang mit dieser Rolle der internationale Durchbruch.
The actress achieved her international breakthrough with this role.
The word is made up of 'durch' (through) and 'Bruch' (break). So it literally describes a 'break through' something, which is the basic idea in all meanings—whether abstract or physical.
Mit dieser Erfindung gelang den Forschern ein Durchbruch.
With this invention, the researchers achieved a breakthrough.
'Der Durchbruch' (the breakthrough) is the noun corresponding to the separable verb 'durchbrechen' (to break through). When something 'durchbricht' (breaks through), for example the sun through the clouds, that is the 'Durchbruch' (breakthrough).
Die Armee bereitete den Durchbruch durch die feindlichen Linien vor.
The army prepared the breakthrough through the enemy lines.
In the meaning 'success', 'Durchbruch' (breakthrough) is often used with the verbs 'gelingen' (to succeed) or 'schaffen' (to manage/achieve). A person 'gelingt' der Durchbruch (succeeds in making the breakthrough) or 'schafft' den Durchbruch (achieves the breakthrough).
Dem jungen Autor gelang mit seinem zweiten Roman der Durchbruch.
The young author achieved his breakthrough with his second novel.
You can recognize the meaning from context: In connection with a career, science, or art, it means success. With walls or fronts, it is about physical destruction. In connection with teeth, it refers to growth.
Der Durchbruch der ersten Zähne ist für Babys oft unangenehm.
The eruption of the first teeth is often unpleasant for babies.
success
'der Erfolg' and 'der Durchbruch' both describe something succeeding. However, 'Erfolg' is more general and can be small or large. 'Durchbruch' means a particularly important, often sudden success that opens up new possibilities. It is used, for example, in research, art, medicine, or a career. The words can be confused because a breakthrough is always a success. But not every success is a breakthrough. If something has simply gone well, 'Erfolg' fits. If it brings a decisive turning point, 'Durchbruch' fits.
In der Forschung gelang dem Team ein Durchbruch bei der neuen Behandlung.
In their research, the team achieved a breakthrough in the new treatment.
Felix sieht den kleinen Laden schon nach einem Monat als Erfolg.
After just one month, Felix already sees the small shop as a success.