icebreaker
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icebreaker
A special ship with a reinforced hull that is built to travel through frozen waters and clear a navigable channel for other ships.
Im Winter hält ein Eisbrecher den Hafen für die Containerschiffe offen.
In winter, an icebreaker keeps the harbor open for the container ships.
'Der Eisbrecher' (the icebreaker) is a compound noun made up of 'das Eis' (the ice) and 'brechen' (to break). Literally, it is something or someone that breaks ice. This logic applies both to the ship and to the figurative social meaning.
Ein gemeinsames Lachen kann ein guter Eisbrecher sein.
Shared laughter can be a good icebreaker.
You can tell from the context whether the ship or the social action is meant. If it is about shipping, harbors, winter, or seas, the ship is meant. If it is about parties, meetings, conversations, or shy people, the social meaning is meant.
Der Eisbrecher erreichte am Morgen den zugefrorenen Hafen.
The icebreaker reached the frozen harbor in the morning.
In the social meaning, the word is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'als Eisbrecher dienen' (to serve as an icebreaker), 'ein guter Eisbrecher sein' (to be a good icebreaker), or 'einen Eisbrecher brauchen' (to need an icebreaker).
Ein kleines Spiel diente als Eisbrecher, um die Stimmung aufzulockern.
A small game served as an icebreaker to loosen up the atmosphere.
start / entry
'der Einstieg' and 'der Eisbrecher' can both refer to the beginning of communication. 'Einstieg' is the general beginning of a conversation, presentation, or topic. 'Eisbrecher' means something specific that makes a stiff or uncomfortable situation more relaxed, for example a question, a joke, or a short game. They can be confused when talking about the beginning of a conversation. 'Einstieg' only says how you begin. 'Eisbrecher' also says that you want to reduce hesitation or tension.
Ein kurzer Witz war der Eisbrecher, und danach redeten alle viel entspannter.
A short joke was the icebreaker, and afterward everyone talked much more comfortably.
Als Einstieg in das Gespräch stellte Frau Becker eine einfache Frage.
As a way to start the conversation, Ms. Becker asked a simple question.