An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/brechen

by Friedrich Kluge

brechen, vb., ‘to break,’ from the equiv. MidHG. brëchen, OHG. brëhhan; comp. the corresponding Goth. brikan, OLG. and AS. brecan, E. to break, Du. breken, ‘to break.’ From a root brek common to Teut., which is derived from pre-Teut. bhreg; comp. Lat. frangere, the nasal of which is wanting in frêg-i. The ModHG. Brachfeld, Bruch, Brocken, are formed by gradation from the same root.