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.
breakthrough
The physical destruction or overcoming of a barrier, such as a wall, a front line, or a barricade.
Der Durchbruch der Staumauer führte zu einer verheerenden Überschwemmung.
The breakthrough of the dam wall led to a devastating flood.
eruption
In dentistry, the becoming visible of a tooth as it grows out of the gums.
Der Durchbruch der Weisheitszähne kann sehr schmerzhaft sein.
The eruption of wisdom teeth can be very painful.
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
Erfolg is generally a positive result or an achieved goal. A Durchbruch is a sudden, decisive success that significantly changes a development and opens up new possibilities. Erfolg fits ordinary progress; at an important turning point, Durchbruch is more appropriate.
Die neue Entdeckung ermöglichte erstmals eine wirksame Therapie und war der entscheidende Durchbruch.
The new discovery made an effective therapy possible for the first time and was the decisive breakthrough.
Der erste erfolgreiche Versuch war für das Forschungsteam ein wichtiger Erfolg.
The first successful attempt was an important success for the research team.
