breathless
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breathless
To be out of breath because you have made a strong physical effort or because you are shocked. You have the feeling that you can hardly get any air.
Atemlos erreichte sie den Gipfel des Berges und genoss die Aussicht.
Breathless, she reached the summit of the mountain and enjoyed the view.
breathless
In a figurative sense: extremely exciting or gripping. Something is so thrilling that it takes your breath away.
Die Zuschauer verfolgten das atemlose Finale des Spiels.
The spectators followed the breathless finale of the game.
The word is made up of 'der Atem' (breath) and the ending '-los' (-less), which means 'without.' So 'atemlos' (breathless) literally means 'without breath.'
Nach dem langen Sprint war der Läufer völlig atemlos.
After the long sprint, the runner was completely breathless.
The literal meaning refers to a person after physical exertion or in shock. The figurative meaning describes a thing or event (e.g., a film, a game) as extremely exciting.
Sie war atemlos, nachdem sie die Treppe hochgerannt war.
She was breathless after running up the stairs.
In the literal meaning, 'atemlos' (breathless) is often used as an adverb to describe how someone performs an action, or as a predicative adjective after verbs like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become).
Atemlos starrte er auf den Bildschirm.
Breathless, he stared at the screen.
In the figurative, exciting meaning, 'atemlos' (breathless) is often combined with nouns like 'Finale' (finale), 'Spannung' (suspense), or 'Stille' (silence). You can also 'atemlos verfolgen' (follow breathlessly) an event.
Die Fans verfolgten das atemlose Elfmeterschießen.
The fans followed the breathless penalty shootout.
breathtaking
Both words can describe something as extremely exciting or gripping. Atemberaubend emphasizes the overwhelming effect of the thing itself, while atemlos, in its figurative sense, focuses more on the state of the person experiencing it. Use “atemberaubend” to describe the film or event, and “atemlos” to describe the captivated audience.
Das Publikum verfolgte das spannende Finale atemlos.
The audience watched the thrilling finale breathlessly.
Der letzte Teil des Films war so atemberaubend, dass niemand sprach.
The final part of the film was so breathtaking that nobody spoke.
