Broechem is a part of the municipality of Ranst in Antwerp Province, Flemish Region, Belgium.

[2] The town's name is derived from the Old Dutch "broek" (wetland) and "heem" (house, building).

The compound name "Broekhem" then transposed into "Broechem", the name it bears today.

In 1542, the village was plundered and set on fire by the troops of Maarten van Rossum.

Between 1909 and 1912, the Fortress of Broechem was constructed, and was the scene of heavy fighting in the Siege of Antwerp during World War I.