Ruhe
/ˈʁuːə/
The German word for rest is Ruhe.
Ruhe refers to a state of quiet, recreation or relief from exertion. It is also the standard word used to express silence or a lack of noise.
Meaning: relief from exertion, state of quiet and recreation (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Ruhe can mean recreation, it is also the primary word for quiet or silence. If you want to express the concept of a break or intermission in a formal setting, you might use Pause. If you specifically want to convey the idea of recovery, rejuvenation or regaining strength, the formal term Erholung is more appropriate.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Ruhe is a feminine noun and is used with the article die.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁuːə/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When you want to use 'rest' as a verb meaning to recover energy or take a break, do not use the noun Ruhe. Instead, use the reflexive verb sich ausruhen.
Did you know?
- In Germany, the concept of Ruhe is legally protected through Ruhezeiten, which are designated quiet hours during which activities like mowing the lawn or drilling are forbidden.
- The word Ruhe is closely linked to the term Ruhestand, which is the German word for retirement.
- Ruhe descends from the Proto-West Germanic word *rōu, which originally denoted both calm and rest.
Examples in context
- Tom konnte nicht ruhen.Tom couldn't rest.This sentence shows a person's inability to rest using the form Ruhe.Tatoeba #6619109 by Felixjp, translation #5129527 by CarpeLanam
- Ruhe dich ein wenig aus.Get some rest.This sentence is an example of how to tell someone to get some rest using the form Ruhe.Tatoeba #1688202 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1553506 by CK
- Gottes Segen ruhe auf euch.May the blessings of God rest upon you.This sentence uses the form Ruhe in a formal blessing.Tatoeba #2664340 by Zaghawa, translation #1801641 by Spamster
- Nach einer Operation braucht der Körper viel Zeit zur Erholung.After surgery, the body needs a lot of time to rest and recover.
- Nach zwei Stunden intensiver Arbeit hat jeder Anspruch auf eine kurze Pause.After two hours of intense work, everyone is entitled to a short rest.
- Nach dem Mittagessen machen wir immer eine kurze Pause, um uns zu entspannen.After lunch, we always take a short rest to relax.
- Ich habe den ganzen Tag im Garten gearbeitet, jetzt muss ich mich erstmal ausruhen.I've been working in the garden all day, now I need to rest.
- Lass uns heute Abend einfach zu Hause chillen und einen Film schauen.Let's just chill at home and watch a movie tonight.
- 59 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Felix are in a loud cafe.
- JuliaHier ist es viel zu laut.It is much too loud in here.
- FelixIch brauche einfach ein bisschen Ruhe.I just need a bit of rest.
- JuliaWollen wir in den Park gehen?Do we want to go to the park?
- FelixJa, dort finden wir sicher Ruhe.Yes, we will surely find rest there.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Ruhe, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Ruhe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
