German Phrase
Die Verbindung bricht ab.
Meaning
Literally, ‘The connection breaks off.’ It is used when a data, phone, or internet connection suddenly stops working. It can also be used figuratively for a relationship or communication that is ending abruptly.
When to use
Use this sentence when a call drops, Wi‑Fi disconnects, a streaming video freezes, or any technical link is lost. It is also appropriate in informal conversation to describe a sudden break in personal contact.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DieVerbindungbrichtab
Definite article (Die)
‘Die’ is the nominative singular feminine article, matching the noun ‘Verbindung’.
Noun (Verbindung)
‘Verbindung’ is a feminine noun meaning ‘connection’; in this sentence it is the subject in nominative case.
Verb (brechen) – 3rd person singular
‘bricht’ is the present‑tense 3rd‑person singular form of the verb ‘brechen’ (to break).
Separable prefix (ab‑)
‘ab’ is a separable prefix that moves to the end of the clause in the present tense, forming the verb ‘abbrichten’ → ‘bricht … ab’ meaning ‘to break off / drop’.
🗨In Conversation
Warum kann ich die Seite nicht mehr laden?
Why can’t I load the page anymore?
Die Verbindung bricht ab.
The connection is dropping.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Verbindung bricht aus.
‘ausbrechen’ means ‘to erupt’ or ‘to break out’, not to lose a connection.
Der Verbindung bricht ab.
‘Verbindung’ is feminine; the correct article is ‘die’. Using ‘der’ is a gender error.
Die Verbindung abbricht.
When using the separable verb, the prefix must be placed at the end in the present tense.
↔Alternatives
Die Verbindung wird unterbrochen.
The connection is being interrupted.
Die Leitung fällt aus.
The line goes out.
Der Kontakt geht verloren.
The contact is lost.
Cultural Tip
In German technical contexts ‘abbrechen’ is the go‑to verb for a lost connection. Avoid using ‘ausbrechen’, which means ‘to erupt’ (e.g., a fire). Also, remember that ‘Verbindung’ is feminine, so the article must be ‘die’, not ‘der’. In casual speech you’ll often hear the shortened form ‘Die Verbindung bricht ab.’ even when talking about a personal relationship.