break / time-out
Loading your saved state.
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.
'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.
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'die Auszeit' can both have to do with recovery. 'Ruhe' describes more of a state: it is quiet, you are relaxed, or you have no stress. 'Auszeit', on the other hand, means a deliberate break from work, everyday life, or a demanding task. Learners may confuse the words because people often look for peace and quiet during an Auszeit. Practically speaking: 'Ruhe' is what you feel or experience; 'Auszeit' is the break you take for yourself.
Im Büro nehmen wir morgen eine kurze Auszeit und essen zusammen zu Mittag.
At the office tomorrow, we are taking a short break and having lunch together.
Nach der Arbeit genießt die Ärztin heute die Ruhe zu Hause.
After work, the doctor is enjoying the peace and quiet at home today.