der Einbruch
break-in
The forcible and unlawful entry into a building, usually with the intention of stealing.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht den Einbruch in das Juweliergeschäft.
The police are investigating the break-in at the jewelry store.
der Einbruch
break-in / onset
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Meanings
der Einbruch
onset
The sudden beginning of something, often in connection with natural events or times of day.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen das Zelt vor Einbruch der Dunkelheit aufgebaut haben.
We need to have the tent set up before the onset of darkness.
der Einbruch
drop / slump
A sudden, sharp decline or deterioration, for example in the economy, performance, or numbers.
EXAMPLE
Die Fluggesellschaft meldete einen dramatischen Einbruch der Passagierzahlen.
The airline reported a dramatic drop in passenger numbers.
Usage tips
From verb to noun
'Der Einbruch' (the break-in) is the noun related to the separable verb 'einbrechen' (to break into something). This origin explains the literal meaning of forced entry.
EXAMPLE
Die Diebe sind nachts eingebrochen. Der Einbruch wurde erst am Morgen bemerkt.
The thieves broke in at night. The break-in was not noticed until the morning.
Sentence structure for theft
When referring to a theft, the location of the break-in is given with the preposition 'in' and the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei untersucht den Einbruch in eine Bäckerei.
The police are investigating the break-in at a bakery.
Fixed expressions
In the meaning of 'Beginn' (beginning/onset), 'Einbruch' is used almost only in fixed expressions with times of day or seasons, usually with the preposition 'bei' (at/with) or 'mit' (with).
EXAMPLE
Die Wanderer müssen vor Einbruch der Dunkelheit zurück sein.
The hikers have to be back before the onset of darkness.
Economic context
In an economic context, 'Einbruch' describes a sudden, sharp decline. Typical combinations are 'Einbruch der Aktienkurse' (drop in stock prices), 'Einbruch der Nachfrage' (drop in demand), or 'konjunktureller Einbruch' (economic downturn).
EXAMPLE
Die Reisebranche erlitt durch die Pandemie einen historischen Einbruch.
The travel industry suffered a historic slump because of the pandemic.
Compare with
Einbruch vs Rückgang
decline / receding
Einbruch and Rückgang can both refer to falling figures or a worsening trend. Einbruch, however, emphasizes a sudden and sharp decline, while Rückgang is more neutral and can also describe a gradual decrease. Use Rückgang for any reduction and Einbruch when the fall is particularly marked or unexpected.
Einbruch
Der Einbruch der Verkaufszahlen im Dezember kam für das Unternehmen überraschend.
The slump in sales figures in December came as a surprise to the company.
Rückgang
Der Rückgang der Verkaufszahlen setzte im Herbst langsam ein.
The decline in sales figures began gradually in the fall.
In real life
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