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  3. Military / Defense

vorzubrechen

English translation: forge ahead

16:03 Nov 2, 2015
German to English translations [PRO]
Military / Defense / World War I term
German term or phrase: vorzubrechen
"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
Yini
United States
Local time: 09:43
English translation:forge ahead
Explanation:
I see that a lot in similar contexts..

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

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 09:43
Grading comment
Thank you
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
3 +2break through/scatter
Ramey Rieger (X)
3to advance
Daniel Arnold (X)
3forge ahead
Michael Martin, MA


Discussion entries: 10





  

Answers


8 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5 peer agreement (net): +2
break through/scatter


Explanation:
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.

Ramey Rieger (X)
Germany
Local time: 15:43
Native speaker of: English
PRO pts in category: 12

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
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.
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13 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
to advance


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

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Note added at 22 mins (2015-11-02 16:25:06 GMT)
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"were directed to advance simultaneously....." I think it works, but your call.

Daniel Arnold (X)
Australia
Local time: 15:43
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8
Notes to answerer
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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24 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
forge ahead


Explanation:
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.

Michael Martin, MA
United States
Local time: 09:43
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in GermanGerman, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 64
Grading comment
Thank you
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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