verb
to break
B1
brechen means 'to break'. It's a strong (irregular) verb: present vowel change e→i (du/er: brichst/bricht), Präteritum brach-, participle gebrochen. Uses auxiliary haben in perfect tenses. Non‑reflexive normally. Used for breaking objects or fracturing; can form passive (wird gebrochen). Also common idioms like 'das Herz brechen' exist.
Examples
Er brach sich beim Unfall ein Bein.
He broke his leg in the accident.
Das Glas brach, als der Kellner es fallen ließ, und Scherben verteilten sich auf dem Boden.
The glass broke when the waiter dropped it, and shards scattered across the floor.
Ich habe mein Versprechen gebrochen.
I broke my promise.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a twig snapping in half with a clear cracking sound as you say 'brechen'.
Sounds like 'break in' without the 'in' — think 'brechen' = break.
Notes
A strong (irregular) verb. Often transitive (takes a direct object). In some intransitive contexts different constructions (like 'zerbrechen') may be used.