verb
to interrupt, to break off
B1
Unterbrechen means 'to interrupt' or 'to break off'. It’s a strong (irregular) verb: present stem change e→i (unterbricht), preterite stem unterbrach, perfekt unterbrochen. Non‑reflexive, not separable, and uses auxiliary haben for perfect tenses. No required preposition; common in conversation and formal speech.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Der Regen unterbrach das Spiel für mehrere Minuten.
The rain broke off the game for several minutes.
Der Moderator unterbrach die Debatte, weil ein dringender Anruf einging, sodass die Diskussion für zehn Minuten ruhte.
The moderator interrupted the debate because an urgent call came in, so the discussion paused for ten minutes.
Bitte unterbrich mich nicht, wenn ich spreche.
Please don't interrupt me while I'm speaking.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
someone raising a hand to cut into a conversation
think 'under-break' — to break something from below or to break into someone's speech
verbs have no gender
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Inseparable prefix 'unter-' (the verb does not split in main-clause finite forms). Strong (irregular) verb with stem change in present (ich unterbreche — er unterbricht) and past 'unterbrach'. Uses 'haben' as auxiliary for perfect tenses.