auf|brechen
Translation
to set off, to break open, to break out, to depart
Examples
Wir brechen morgen früh auf.
We are setting off early tomorrow morning.
Die Polizei musste die Tür aufbrechen.
The police had to break open the door.
Eine alte Wunde ist wieder aufgebrochen.
An old wound has opened up again.
Grammar Patterns
aufbrechen ((sein)) to set off We set off at 6 o'clock.
((sth.)) aufbrechen ((haben)) to break sth. open He broke the lock open.
Similar Words
Synonyms: to set off, to depart; Antonyms: to arrive, to stay
Etymology
From 'auf-' (up, open) + 'brechen' (to break). Literally 'to break up/open', which applies to starting a journey or forcing something open.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'breaking' camp to set 'off' on a journey, or 'breaking' a lock 'open'.