to interrupt
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to interrupt
To disturb someone while they are speaking or doing an activity and force them to stop temporarily.
Entschuldigung, ich möchte Sie nur ungern unterbrechen, aber das Telefon ist für Sie.
Excuse me, I really don't want to interrupt you, but the phone is for you.
The prefix 'unter-' is inseparable here. It stays directly attached to the verb 'brechen' (to break) in all sentence forms. The stress is on the second syllable: unterbréchen.
Er unterbricht mich ständig.
He constantly interrupts me.
The verb 'unterbrechen' (to interrupt) is always used with an accusative object. You ask: Wen oder was unterbrichst du? (Whom or what are you interrupting?)
Bitte unterbrich den Film nicht, er ist so spannend.
Please don't interrupt the film; it's so exciting.
The object reveals the meaning: If you interrupt a person, you disturb them. If you interrupt an action (e.g. work), you pause it. If you interrupt a line, you physically disconnect it.
Könntest du bitte aufhören, mich zu unterbrechen?
Could you please stop interrupting me?
When it is about pausing an activity, 'unterbrechen' (to interrupt/pause) is often used with words like 'Arbeit' (work), 'Studium' (studies), 'Reise' (trip), or 'Gespräch' (conversation).
Sie musste ihr Studium aus gesundheitlichen Gründen für ein Jahr unterbrechen.
She had to interrupt her studies for a year for health reasons.
to connect / to bandage
'verbinden' and 'unterbrechen' are often opposites when it comes to a connection or an ongoing process. 'verbinden' means that two things or people are brought into contact, for example technically or on the phone. 'unterbrechen' means that a connection, process, or line is stopped or cut off for a time. Put simply: 'verbinden' establishes contact, while 'unterbrechen' stops or cuts off that contact.
Wegen der Baustelle ist die Stromleitung für zwei Stunden unterbrochen.
Because of the construction work, the power line is interrupted for two hours.
Die Mitarbeiterin verbindet mich mit der richtigen Abteilung.
The employee connects me to the right department.