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Aufbruch
/ˈaʊ̯fˌbʁʊx/
departure
Der Aufbruch der Gruppe war für 8 Uhr geplant.
The group's departure was scheduled for 8 o'clock.
neutral
the act of leaving a place, starting a journey
Nach dem Aufbruch aus der Stadt begann die Wanderung.
After departing from the city, the hike began.
Often used for both literal journeys and metaphorical beginnings (e.g., 'new chapter').
formal
a departure from a place or situation
Der Aufbruch der Firma in neue Märkte war erfolgreich.
The company's departure into new markets was successful.
literary
a sudden departure or escape
Sein plötzlicher Aufbruch ließ alle ratlos zurück.
His sudden departure left everyone baffled.
Collocations
zum Aufbruch bereit seinto be ready to leaveder Aufbruch in ein neues Zeitalterthe dawn of a new erazum Aufbruch mahnento urge departure
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal translations
Don't confuse 'Aufbruch' with 'break-up' (Trennung). It implies movement away from a place or situation, not relationship dissolution.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'Aufbruch' for journeys or transitions. For 'departure' in transportation (e.g., train departure), use 'Abfahrt'.
Word Origin
From Middle High German 'üfbruch', from 'üf' (up, out) + 'bruch' (break, departure). Originally referred to the breaking of a path or journey's start.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in travel contexts but also metaphorically for transitions (e.g., 'Aufbruch in die Zukunft'). The plural 'Aufbrüche' is rare.
Word Breakdown
Auf-
up/out (prefix)
prefix-bruch
break/departure (noun)
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch