verb
to break in, to break into
B1
Einbrechen means 'to break in' or 'break into' (enter by force). It's a separable, strong verb with prefix ein (brichst ein). Uses sein as auxiliary in perfect (ich bin eingebrochen). Irregular: present vowel change e→i (du brichst), Präteritum brach, Partizip: eingebrochen. Typically intransitive.
Examples
Der Dieb bricht ins Haus ein.
The thief breaks into the house.
Die Diebe brachen nachts in das Büro ein, weil die Alarmanlage ausgefallen war.
The thieves broke into the office at night because the alarm system had failed.
Der Dieb brach gestern Nacht in das Büro ein.
The thief broke into the office last night.
Details
Mnemonics
Imagine a door lock snapping and the prefix 'ein-' slipping to the front as someone enters
think 'in' + 'break' — like 'break in' in English
Notes
einbrechen is a separable strong verb (present prefix separates: 'er bricht ein'). Its perfect uses 'sein' (eingebrochen). Passive is uncommon because the verb is largely intransitive. | Intransitive verb; passive forms are not applicable.