to get down / break
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not to let it get one down
Not to let oneself be discouraged or defeated by difficulties, setbacks, or negative influences.
Trotz der vielen Probleme lässt sie sich nicht unterkriegen und kämpft weiter.
Despite the many problems, she doesn't let it get her down and keeps fighting.
'Unterkriegen' is a separable verb. The prefix 'unter-' comes at the end in a main clause, stays attached to the verb in a subordinate clause, and in the infinitive with 'zu', 'zu' is placed between the prefix and the verb.
So leicht kriegt man mich nicht unter.
You won't break me that easily.
By far the most common use of this verb is the fixed expression 'sich nicht unterkriegen lassen' (not to let it get one down). It expresses that someone remains strong and optimistic despite difficulties.
Lass dich von diesem kleinen Rückschlag bloß nicht unterkriegen!
Don't let this small setback get you down!
In the expression 'sich nicht unterkriegen lassen' (not to let it get one down), the cause of the difficulties is often introduced with the preposition 'von' plus the dative.
Sie lässt sich von der negativen Kritik nicht unterkriegen.
She doesn't let the negative criticism get her down.
to break
'brechen' and 'unterkriegen' can both describe someone being inwardly defeated or very discouraged. 'Jemanden brechen' (to break someone) sounds strong and harsh: a person's will or resistance is destroyed. 'Jemanden unterkriegen' is more colloquial and means that difficulties or other people defeat or discourage someone. The phrase 'sich nicht unterkriegen lassen' (not to let it get one down) is used very often. Learners may confuse the words because both have to do with mental or emotional strength. 'brechen' is stronger; 'unterkriegen' often fits better with everyday worries and setbacks.
Lass dich von der schlechten Note nicht unterkriegen.
Don't let the bad grade get you down.
Die langen Verhöre sollten seinen Widerstand brechen.
The long interrogations were meant to break his resistance.