nach Luft schnappen
/naːx lʊft ˈʃnapən/word by word
To gasp in German is to say nach Luft schnappen.
The phrase nach Luft schnappen is used to describe drawing in breath suddenly. If you are looking for related nouns, Atemzug, Luftholen and Schnaufen can all refer to a short, sudden intake of breath, while Zug refers to a single draw or drag on a cigarette.
Meaning: to draw in the breath suddenly (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition nach (for/after), the noun Luft (air) and the verb schnappen (to snatch or snap). Literally, it means to snatch for air.
Which one should you use?
While nach Luft schnappen implies a sudden, sharp intake of breath (often from shock or surprise), the verb schnaufen usually refers to heavy, labored breathing or panting from physical exertion. For a more dramatic or figurative way to express gasping or struggling for breath, you can use nach Atem ringen.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/naːx lʊft ˈʃnapən/
Did you know?
- The word schnappen in nach Luft schnappen is a cognate of the English word 'snap'. Both words are onomatopoeic and were originally meant to mimic the sound of clattering jaws.
- While nach Luft schnappen is used for shock, the phrase nach Atem ringen describes a more physical struggle. The verb ringen literally means 'to wrestle', depicting a fight for breath.
Examples in context
- Maria machte eine Cruyff-Wende, bei der Tom auf dem Hintern landete und alle anderen Jungen vor Schreck jäh nach Luft schnappen mussten, dass es gut zu hören war.Mary did a Cruyff turn, leaving Tom on his backside and producing an audible gasp from all the other boys.This sentence shows how a sudden movement can cause others to nach Luft schnappen out of shock.Tatoeba #11541948 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #9539863 by sundown
- Sie schnappte nach Luft, als sie das Ergebnis hörteShe gasped when she heard the result
- Sie atmete entsetzt auf, als sie sah, was passiert warShe gasped in shock when she saw what had happened
- Er musste nach Luft schnappen, als er rannte.He had to gasp for air when he ran.
- Nach dem Schreck musste sie nach Luft schnappen.After the fright, she had to gasp for air.
Example conversation
A person is watching a scary movie with a friend.
- MaximilianHast du gesehen, wie sie nach Luft schnappt?Did you see how she gasps for air?
- SarahJa, die Szene war wirklich gruselig.Yes, the scene was really creepy.
- MaximilianIch musste selbst kurz nach Luft schnappen.I myself had to gasp for air briefly.
- SarahDas kann ich gut verstehen.I can well understand that.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (nach, Luft, schnappen) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Luft, nach, schnappen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
