to breathe a sigh of relief
Loading your saved state.
to breathe a sigh of relief
To feel relief after a worry, tension, or danger has passed. This is often expressed through a deep, audible exhale.
Als sie hörte, dass die Prüfung bestanden war, konnte sie endlich aufatmen.
When she heard that she had passed the exam, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
'Aufatmen' (to breathe a sigh of relief) is a separable verb. The prefix 'auf' comes at the end of the main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Nach der schweren Prüfung atmeten alle Studenten auf.
After the difficult exam, all the students breathed a sigh of relief.
The verb consists of 'auf' and 'atmen' (to breathe). While 'atmen' only describes the physical action, 'auf' adds the emotional meaning of relief and the end of tension.
Die ganze Familie atmete auf, als der Arzt gute Nachrichten brachte.
The whole family breathed a sigh of relief when the doctor brought good news.
The reason for the relief is often given in a subordinate clause with conjunctions such as 'als' (when), 'nachdem' (after), or 'weil' (because).
Sie atmete erleichtert auf, nachdem sie ihre verlorene Brieftasche wiedergefunden hatte.
She breathed a relieved sigh after she had found her lost wallet again.
to take a deep breath / catch one's breath
'durchatmen' and 'aufatmen' both have to do with breathing and relaxation. You use 'durchatmen' when you breathe deeply or take a short break to become calmer. You use 'aufatmen' when a worry is over and you feel relief. Learners may confuse the words because both often occur after stress. The difference is: with 'durchatmen', you actively calm yourself down. With 'aufatmen', you react with relief because something has turned out well.
Nach der sicheren Landung haben alle im Flugzeug aufgeatmet.
After the safe landing, everyone on the plane breathed a sigh of relief.
Vor dem Termin atmet ihr kurz durch und geht dann ruhig ins Zimmer.
Before the appointment, you take a quick breath and then go calmly into the room.