Anbruch

Anbruch is a German noun that denotes the onset or breaking forth of something, especially the first light of day. In a literal sense it refers to dawn or daybreak, as in phrases like der Anbruch des Morgens or dem Anbruch des Tages. In a broader, figurative sense it describes the beginning of a period, era, or development, such as ein Anbruch neuer Zeiten.

Etymology and sense: Anbruch comes from the prefix an- combined with brechen (to break) and the noun-forming suffix -bruch. The core image is light or change breaking forth at a starting moment, marking the transition from one state to another.

Usage notes: Anbruch emphasizes the moment of initiation rather than the duration of what follows, and it is often used in more formal or literary contexts. It can pair with modifiers like früh or morgendliche to describe the early light, or be used metaphorically to signal hope, novelty, or upheaval, as in the beginning of a new era.

Cultural usage: In German-language writing, Anbruch is a stylistic term that conveys immediacy and significance. It appears in poetry, essays, and journalism to evoke renewal, transition, or decisive change, distinguishing itself from more neutral terms like Beginn (beginning) or Start (start).

See also: dawn, daybreak, onset.