der  Wortbruch

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈvɔʁtˌbʁʊx/

📜 What does "der Wortbruch" mean?

Der Wortbruch (masculine) refers to the failure to keep one's word, a promise, or a commitment. It signifies the deliberate or unconscious breaking of a verbal or written agreement based on trust. A Wortbruch is often considered a serious breach of trust and dishonorable.

There is only this one meaning and the article is always der. It is a noun with a strong negative connotation.

• Core meaning: Failure to keep a promise or commitment.
• Connotation: Negative, associated with loss of trust, dishonesty, betrayal.

⚠️ Accusing someone of Wortbruch is serious and should not be done lightly.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Wortbruch

The noun "Wortbruch" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Sein Schweigen nach der Zusage wurde als klarer Wortbruch gewertet.
   (His silence after the commitment was interpreted as a clear breach of promise.)
2. Man warf dem Politiker wiederholten Wortbruch vor.
   (The politician was accused of repeatedly breaking his word.)
3. Aufgrund des Wortbruchs kündigte sie die Zusammenarbeit.
   (Due to the breach of promise, she terminated the cooperation.)
4. Die Geschichte ist voller Beispiele für folgenschwere Wortbrüche.
   (History is full of examples of consequential breaches of promise.)

🗣️ How is "Wortbruch" used?

"Wortbruch" is typically used in contexts where trust and reliability play a significant role. This can be in personal, business, or political spheres.

• Personal Relationships: A friend doesn't keep their promise. („Das war ein echter Wortbruch, ich bin sehr enttäuscht.“ - That was a real breach of promise, I am very disappointed.)
• Business/Contracts: A verbal agreement isn't honored (though often hard to enforce legally, it's morally relevant). („Sein Wortbruch hat das Vertrauensverhältnis zerstört.“ - His breach of promise destroyed the relationship of trust.)
• Politics: A politician breaks an election promise. („Die Opposition wirft der Regierung Wortbruch vor.“ - The opposition accuses the government of breaking its word.)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Versprechensbruch: Similar, but often slightly less formal or severe than "Wortbruch". "Wortbruch" can also encompass more implicit commitments.
• Vertragsbruch: (Breach of contract) Specifically refers to violating a written or oral contract and often has legal consequences. "Wortbruch" is more of a moral or ethical term, although it can imply a Vertragsbruch.
• Eidbruch: (Perjury, breaking an oath) Breaking a sworn oath, a very serious form of Wortbruch, often with legal or ceremonial consequences.

💡 Mnemonics for "der Wortbruch"

For the article 'der': Think of someone making a promise with a deep, masculine voice (like 'der' sounds slightly deeper than 'die' or 'das' to some ears). But then he breaks it. Der man breaks his word -> der Wortbruch.

For the meaning: Imagine a spoken Wort (word) is fragile like glass. If you don't uphold it, it experiences a Bruch (break, fracture) – hence, Wortbruch, the breaking of one's word.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🤔 Similar, potentially misleading words:

• Wortgefecht: (Verbal skirmish, argument) - A heated discussion or debate.
• Wortspiel: (Pun, play on words) - Playing with word meanings or sounds.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, kannst du mir ein Beispiel für Wortbruch geben?"
Fritzchen: "Klar, Herr Lehrer! Gestern haben Sie versprochen, heute keine Hausaufgaben aufzugeben!"

Teacher asks: "Freddy, can you give me an example of Wortbruch (breaking one's word)?"
Freddy: "Sure, teacher! Yesterday you promised not to give us any homework today!"

✍️ Poem about Wortbruch

Ein Wort gegeben, leicht und schnell,
Ein Band geknüpft, so klar und hell.
Doch weht der Wind, die Zeit vergeht,
Das Band zerreißt, das Wort verweht.

Ein Riss im Tuch des Vertrauens rein,
Der Wortbruch schmerzt, lässt Zweifel sein.
Was einst versprochen, nun entzwei,
Zurück bleibt Leere, stiller Schrei.

A word once given, light and fast,
A bond was tied, so clear and vast.
But winds blow change, as time flies past,
The bond tears up, the word's outcast.

A rip in trust's pure fabric white,
The broken word brings pain and doubt's dark night.
What once was promised, now torn in two,
An empty void, a silent rue.

🧩 Riddle Time

Ich bin gegeben, doch nicht materiell,
Ich baue Brücken, doch manchmal schnell,
Werd' ich vergessen, zertreten, missachtet,
Was einst verbunden, wird nun verfrachtet
Ins Land des Zweifels und des Verrats.
Wer bin ich, als gebrochener Satz?

I am given, but not material,
I build bridges, but sometimes quick, it's trivial,
I get forgotten, trampled, disregarded,
What once connected, is now departed
To the land of doubt and betrayal's sting.
What am I, as a broken thing (like a broken phrase/promise)?

Solution: Der Wortbruch (Breach of promise / Breaking one's word)

✨ Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Wortbruch" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Wort: (Word) The smallest independent linguistic unit with meaning. In this context, it stands for one's given word or promise.
• Bruch: (Break, fracture, breach) The act of breaking, interruption, violation (of a rule, a promise).

The composition directly illustrates the meaning: the breaking of one's word (promise).

Cultural Significance:

In many cultures, including German culture, one's given word holds significant value. The proverb "Ein Mann, ein Wort" ("One man, one word") highlights the importance of reliability and commitment. A Wortbruch is therefore often considered particularly damaging to one's honor.