ruhig
/ˈʁuː.ɪç/
The German word for calm is ruhig.
Ruhig is used to describe both a person's temperament (being free from anger and anxiety) and the state of an environment, such as a calm sea or a quiet room. It also serves as the standard word for 'quiet' in terms of volume.
Meaning: free from anger and anxiety (adj)
Which one should you use?
While ruhig can mean calm, if you are referring specifically to a low volume, such as a quiet voice, you should use leise instead of ruhig.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When the adjective ruhig is used in a predicative position (for example, 'Das Meer ist ruhig'), it does not change its form based on the gender or number of the noun it modifies.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁuː.ɪç/. The word has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In German law and official regulations, Ruhezeiten are legally protected 'quiet times' during which loud activities are forbidden by law.
- The word ruhig is used in the phrase ruhig machen, which can be a gentle request for silence or a veiled threat meaning 'settle down' depending on the tone.
- The word ruhig shares a common root with the English word 'rest', as both stem from ancient Indo-European roots relating to stillness.
Examples in context
- Tom war so ruhig.Tom was so calm.This sentence illustrates the use of ruhig to describe a person's temperament.Tatoeba #11873699 by Naina, translation #4495283 by CK
- Das Meer ist ruhig.The sea is calm.This sentence shows how ruhig describes the state of the sea.Tatoeba #9040055 by driini, translation #1901580 by Spamster
- Ich war ganz ruhig.I was quite calm.This sentence demonstrates the use of ruhig to describe a person's state of being.Tatoeba #10241258 by wolfgangth, translation #3734521 by CK
- Bitte bleiben Sie ruhig.Please remain calm.
- Seien Sie ruhig, alles ist unter Kontrolle.Stay calm, everything is under control.
- Während der Präsentation ist es wichtig, ruhig zu bleiben.During the presentation, it is important to stay calm.
- Wir sollten gelassen bleiben und eine Lösung finden.We should stay calm and find a solution.
- Der Arzt blieb trotz der Herausforderung immer gelassen.The doctor always remained calm despite the challenge.
- Sei einfach entspannt.Just stay calm/relaxed.
- Das Konzert war wirklich entspannt.The concert was really cool/chilled.
- Mach dir darüber keine Sorgen, sei einfach locker.Don't worry about it, just stay calm/chill.
- Er bleibt immer ganz locker, egal wie stressig es wird.He always stays cool no matter how stressful it gets.
- 112 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A quiet afternoon at a café.
- SarahBist du heute sehr ruhig?Are you very calm today?
- JulianJa, ich fühle mich sehr ruhig.Yes, I feel very calm.
- SarahDas ist gut für dich, Julian.That is good for you, Julian.
- JulianDanke, Sarah. Es ist sehr entspannend.Thanks, Sarah. It is very relaxing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “calm” translations and entries ruhig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ruhig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
