German word

ruhen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁuːən/

Meaning

  • verbrest

Example

Er ruht nach dem Lauf.

He rests after the run.

Illustration for ruhen (rest)

More examples

Nach der Wanderung musste sie sich ausruhen.

After the hike, she had to rest.

Core concept

A person or thing remains quiet and inactive while movement or activity is paused.

Common phrases

  • sich ausruhen

    rest

  • auf dem Sofa ruhen

    rest on the sofa

Similar words

sich ausruhen: To rest for a short time to relieve fatigue.
sich erholen: To restore fitness or health through a period of recovery.
schlafen: To enter a state of sleep that restores the body.
entspannen: To release tension and reach a calmer physical and mental state.

Definition in German

Nicht mehr tätig sein; sich kurz oder länger ausruhen oder (poetisch) ruhig schlafen.

Word origin

Ruhen developed from Old High German ruowēn through Middle High German ruowen and is related to Ruhe, from a Germanic root linked with quiet and rest.

Usage tips

  • For ordinary personal rest, sich ausruhen is more common, while ruhen often sounds formal or literary when used for people.

Other meanings

  • be suspendedverb
  • sleepverb
  • be stillverb
  • be based onverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word