break / time-out
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break
A planned interruption from daily work or a strenuous activity in order to recover.
Nach vielen Jahren im selben Job gönnt sie sich eine sechsmonatige Auszeit für eine Weltreise.
After many years in the same job, she is treating herself to a six-month break for a trip around the world.
time-out
A short interruption in a sports game requested by the coach or a player in order to discuss tactics. Called a 'time-out' in English.
Kurz vor Spielende nahm der Basketball-Trainer eine entscheidende Auszeit.
Shortly before the end of the game, the basketball coach took a crucial time-out.
'Auszeit' (break/time-out) is a compound noun made from the preposition 'aus' (out) and the noun 'Zeit' (time). It literally means a 'time when you are out'—that is, a break from an activity.
Eine kleine Auszeit vom Alltag kann sehr erholsam sein.
A short break from everyday life can be very relaxing.
When referring to a personal break from work or everyday life, 'Auszeit' (break) is often used with reflexive verbs. Typical phrases are 'sich eine Auszeit nehmen' (to take a break), 'sich eine Auszeit gönnen' (to treat oneself to a break), or 'eine Auszeit brauchen' (to need a break).
Nach dem stressigen Projekt hat er sich eine lange Auszeit genommen.
After the stressful project, he took a long break.
The meaning 'time-out' is specific to sports. You can always recognize it from the context, for example when people are talking about a game such as basketball or handball.
Der Handball-Trainer nahm eine Auszeit, um mit seinem Team die Strategie zu besprechen.
The handball coach took a time-out to discuss the strategy with his team.
break / pause
Both die Pause and die Auszeit interrupt a strenuous activity. A Pause is usually a normal, relatively short interruption; an Auszeit emphasizes a planned retreat for rest and can last longer.
Nach mehreren anstrengenden Monaten nimmt Nora eine Auszeit von der Arbeit.
After several exhausting months, Nora is taking time off from work.
Nach zwei Stunden Arbeit macht Nora eine kurze Pause.
After working for two hours, Nora takes a short break.
