herein|brechen
Translation
to break in, to set in, to fall (of night), to befall
Examples
Die Nacht ist plötzlich hereingebrochen.
The night fell suddenly.
Ein Dieb ist in das Haus hereingebrochen.
A thief broke into the house.
Das Unwetter ist über das Dorf hereingebrochen.
The storm broke over the village.
Grammar Patterns
((über+4 j-n/et4)) to befall sb./sth. The storm broke over the village.
((in+4 et4)) to break into sth. A thief broke into the house.
(Subjekt) to set in (of night, winter, etc.) The night fell suddenly.
Similar Words
Synonyms: einbrechen, eindringen; Antonyms: anbrechen (to dawn)
Etymology
From 'herein' (in, into) + 'brechen' (to break). Literally 'to break in'.
Memory Tips
Imagine night 'breaking in' through the window of day, or a disaster 'breaking in' on a peaceful life.