entspannend
The German word for relaxing is entspannend.
entspannend is an adjective used to describe something that allows one to relax.
Meaning: allowing one to relax (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use entspannend to describe something that *causes* relaxation (e.g., music), but use entspannt to describe a person who *feels* relaxed.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Bavarian region, the term Gmiatlich is used to express a cozy and relaxed atmosphere.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, entspannend must take various endings depending on the gender, case and number of the noun it modifies.
Did you know?
- While entspannend refers to the effect, the word Entspannung is used both for 'relaxation' and for 'de-escalation' in political or military contexts.
- While entspannend describes a relaxing activity, Germans often use Feierabend to describe the specific state of relaxation that begins the moment one finishes work for the day.
- The word entspannend comes from the verb spannen, which means to tighten or to stretch a string. To relax is literally to 'un-tighten' oneself.
Examples in context
- Tom hörte entspannende Musik.Tom listened to relaxing music.Tatoeba #7340003 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6902559 by Hybrid
- Bücherlesen ist sehr entspannend.Reading books is very relaxing.Tatoeba #3995205 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3995065 by patgfisher
- Manche finden es entspannend zu lesen.Some people find reading relaxing.Tatoeba #11505907 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #10794606 by sundown
- Das Wellness-Spa bietet eine Reihe entspannender Behandlungen an.The wellness spa offers a range of relaxing treatments.
- Ein Spaziergang in der Natur kann sehr erholend sein.A walk in nature can be very relaxing.
- Lass uns heute Abend einen gemütlichen Filmabend machen.Let's have a cozy movie night this evening.
- Nach dem langen Tag im Büro fühlte ich mich locker und entspannt.After the long day at the office, I felt loose and relaxed.
- In den bayerischen Alpen ist es besonders gmiatlich.It's particularly cozy and relaxing in the Bavarian Alps.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about their weekend plans.
- MaximilianEin Bad ist sehr entspannend.A bath is very relaxing.
- LauraDas stimmt, das ist herrlich.That's true, that is wonderful.
- MaximilianMöchtest du heute Abend baden?Would you like to bathe this evening?
- LauraJa, das wäre jetzt perfekt.Yes, that would be perfect right now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry entspannend, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
