Durchbruch

Durchbruch is a German noun meaning breakthrough or breach. It derives from durch (through) and Bruch (break) and is used to denote the act of breaking through a barrier or reaching a decisive turning point. The term is common across many fields and everyday language, where it signals a significant advance or the moment when a previously difficult obstacle is overcome.

In science, technology, and medicine, a Durchbruch refers to a major achievement with substantial impact, such as a new drug showing efficacy in trials, a novel material enabling new applications, or a methodological advance that opens up new research directions. It implies more than a routine finding, signaling a transformative development that alters the trajectory of a field or industry.

In military and strategic contexts, a Durchbruch denotes the breach of enemy lines or the successful overcoming of fortified positions, often enabling a rapid offensive or shift in momentum. The term emphasizes operational significance and the practical consequences of breaking through a defensive barrier.

In everyday usage, Durchbruch is employed metaphorically to describe progress in negotiations, business, or personal projects. Phrases like ein Durchbruch in den Verhandlungen or einen Durchbruch erzielen convey the sense of a breakthrough achievement or a decisive step forward after a period of difficulty.

See also: breakthrough, progress in German, military breakthrough.