to breathe a sigh of relief
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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 can both be associated with taking a deep breath after stress. Durchatmen emphasizes deliberate breathing or a break to recover, while aufatmen expresses relief after a worry, period of tension, or danger. Durchatmen is the right choice for taking a calming break; after receiving good news, aufatmen is more appropriate.
Als die Prüfung vorbei war, konnten alle erleichtert aufatmen.
When the exam was over, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief.
Nach der langen Besprechung ging ich kurz hinaus, um durchzuatmen.
After the long meeting, I went outside for a moment to catch my breath.
