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aufbrechen

to set out, to depart

verb OWF-bre-khen Rare
Travel & Places Movement

Also means

to break open

Usage Note

aufbrechen in a travel context means to depart, often at the start of a journey or stage: früh aufbrechen ('to set out early'). The contrasting sense 'to break open' (a lock, a crust) is equally common, so context always clarifies.

Examples

"Wir brachen beim ersten Tageslicht auf."

Natural Translation

We set out at first light.

Literal Translation

We broke-off at first daylight.

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