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Arnikamilch
Vorgeworfen
Nov 2, 2015 16:03
8 yrs ago
German term

vorzubrechen

German to English Other Military / Defense World War I term
"Armee und bilden teils die 10. unter Generaloberst von Eichhorn, marschieren auf und rücken los, um seitlich beider Flügel unserer in der Linie Lötzen-Gumbinnen gelegenen dünnen Verteidigungsstellung vorzubrechen."

Vorzubrechen -

I can't find that term in any dictionary, but I have seen the term used in several German books dating from the Great War.
I know that brechen means to break but I can't find the exact term.
thank you.

Explanations in English or Spanish
Proposed translations (English)
3 forge ahead
3 +2 break through/scatter
3 to advance

Discussion

Ramey Rieger (X) Nov 2, 2015:
First case... the army is deployed and sets out (is rather redundant) to attack/break through/advance on/scatter our meager defense on the Lötzen-Gumbinnen front

Second case...
the six attacking brigades were ordered to move out/charge/advance/ pour from their staging areas ( I assume this should be with a 'B') simultaneously
Yini (asker) Nov 2, 2015:
I have looked up vorbrechen too @Thomas Pfann - before posting the question. However I couldn't find it (wordreference and google)
Yini (asker) Nov 2, 2015:
Both examples are from memoirs
Ramey Rieger (X) Nov 2, 2015:
Variety is the spice of vorbrechen The term is being used very differently in the two examples cited. so perhaps it's better to have an understanding of the word, so you can imagine what it could mean in each context.

break through
advance/charge
initiate
prepare/clear the way
Thomas Pfann Nov 2, 2015:
And the verb is vorbrechen. I don't think that has been made clear yet (although it's kind of important to know if you are going to check dictionaries).
Ramey Rieger (X) Nov 2, 2015:
Different contexts different terms. The above context would call for something like 'charge from'. Just how 'lyrical' or 'militant' should the term be? From the sentence above, it seems to be a memoire, ergo rather 'romantic'.
Yini (asker) Nov 2, 2015:
Phil - do you want all the examples where I ve fou Do you want all the examples where I have found the term? Here is one:

"Die 6 Angriffs-Brigaden waren angewiesen, möglichst gleichzeitig aus ihren Vereitstellungsräumen vorzubrechen. Sollte der
Handstreich gelingen, so durfte sich die Infanterie nicht lange
mit Schießen aufhalten."
philgoddard Nov 2, 2015:
If the phrase you've given us is not the one you want translated, please could you tell us what the text you're reading says.
Yini (asker) Nov 2, 2015:
I've found examples of the term here - http://wordincontext.com/de/vorzubrechen

Thanks - I don't need the phrase translated - I have found the term several times while trying to read (in my limited German) an old book.
Ramey Rieger (X) Nov 2, 2015:
Greetings Yini Are you sure the source sentence is complete?

Proposed translations

24 mins
Selected

forge ahead

I see that a lot in similar contexts..

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 7 hrs (2015-11-02 23:22:46 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

To me, “vorbrechen” means neither breaking through (durchbrechen – breaking through what?) nor breaking out (ausbrechen – out of what?) but suggests rapid advancement against possible obstacles or resistance. Vor = forward movement; “brechen” implies forging through obstacles. But “brechen” is not front and center of the term: “brechen” hinges on “vor” which gives the verb a different meaning.
Something went wrong...
4 KudoZ points awarded for this answer. Comment: "Thank you"
+2
8 mins

break through/scatter

There seem to be some words missing at the beginning of the source sentence, but I believe this is what is meant.
I personally would prefer scatter in this context.
Peer comment(s):
agree Wendy Streitparth : Prefer break through! In other contexts it could be break out of...
1 hr
Hi Wendy. Yes, break through the defenses. I really pity those souls.
agree Kristina Cosumano (X)
14 hrs
Thank you Kristina.
Something went wrong...
13 mins

to advance

seems to be an ancient version of "vorzurücken". I'd suggest "to advance".

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 22 mins (2015-11-02 16:25:06 GMT)
--------------------------------------------------

"were directed to advance simultaneously....." I think it works, but your call.
Note from asker:
Will advance fit in this context? "Die 6 Angriffs-Brigaden waren angewiesen, möglichst gleichzeitig aus ihren Vereitstellungsräumen vorzubrechen. Sollte der Handstreich gelingen, so durfte sich die Infanterie nicht lange mit Schießen aufhalten." Thanks
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