01
sich beruhigen
to calm down
To become calm and composed again after being excited, anxious, or angry.
example
Atme tief durch und versuche, dich zu beruhigen.
Take a deep breath and try to calm down.
beruhigen
to calm
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'beruhigen' (to calm) is formed from the adjective 'ruhig' (calm/quiet) and the prefix 'be-'. It literally means 'to make calm'.
EXAMPLE
Die Musik hatte eine beruhigende Wirkung auf ihn.
The music had a calming effect on him.
Reflexive vs. transitive
This verb can be used reflexively or transitively. 'Sich beruhigen' (to calm down) means that you yourself become calm again. 'Jemanden/etwas beruhigen' (to calm someone/something) means that you calm another person or a situation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Streit musste ich mich erst einmal beruhigen.
After the argument, I first had to calm down.
Abstract objects
'Beruhigen' can also refer to abstract things. It is often used for situations, markets, or the weather. Then it means 'to stabilize' or 'to normalize'.
EXAMPLE
Die Zentralbank versuchte, die Finanzmärkte zu beruhigen.
The central bank tried to calm the financial markets.
Compare with
beruhigen vs aufregen
to upset / excite
'aufregen' and 'beruhigen' are clear opposites. 'aufregen' means that someone becomes emotionally agitated, angry, nervous, or worried, or that something triggers this reaction. 'beruhigen' means the opposite: someone becomes calm again, or another person helps them do so. Both words can be used reflexively, for example 'sich aufregen' and 'sich beruhigen'. Memory tip: First you might get upset, and afterward you calm down again.
beruhigen
Mila hat den kleinen Jungen beim Arzt beruhigt.
Mila calmed the little boy at the doctor's office.
aufregen
Die Kundin regt sich am Telefon über die falsche Rechnung auf.
The customer gets upset on the phone about the incorrect bill.
In real life
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