der Durchbruch
Translation
breakthrough, breach, rupture, eruption
Examples
Das war der wissenschaftliche Durchbruch.
That was the scientific breakthrough.
Es gab einen Durchbruch in der Mauer.
There was a breach in the wall.
Der Durchbruch des ersten Zahns ist oft schmerzhaft.
The eruption of the first tooth is often painful.
Grammar Patterns
the breakthrough ((in sth.)) the breakthrough in sth. The breakthrough in medicine saved many lives.
to help ((sb.)) achieve a breakthrough to help sb. achieve a breakthrough His discovery helped him achieve a breakthrough.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Erfolg (success), Fortschritt (progress), Öffnung (opening); Antonyms: Stillstand (standstill), Misserfolg (failure)
Etymology
From 'durch' (through) and 'Bruch' (break). It literally means a 'break-through'.
Memory Tips
Picture 'breaking through' a wall. This image works for both the literal meaning (breach) and the figurative one (breakthrough).