B1 Formal Success
„Er bricht sich Bahn."
He is making his way.
What does „Er bricht sich Bahn." mean in German?
„Er bricht sich Bahn." means "He is making his way.." Literally: "He breaks himself path.."
Literal Translation
"He breaks himself path."
Er He
bricht breaks
sich himself
Bahn path
English Equivalent
"He's making his way in the world."
This English idiom conveys the same meaning as the German expression.
Grammar Notes
Reflexive; 'sich Bahn brechen'
When is this idiom used?
Formal
This expression is used in formal or literary German, often found in written texts and speeches.
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Related Idioms
„Er kommt gut an."
He is succeeding well.
„Das hat angeschlagen."
That proved effectual.
„Er hat von unten auf gedient."
He has risen from the ranks.
„Ab (= geht ab, gehen ab)."
Exit (exeunt).
„Vom 1. Januar ab wird die Miete erhöht."
From the 1st of January the rent will be raised.
„Er ist abgeblitzt."
He was rebuffed.
