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
beruhigen
to calm
To bring another person who is excited, anxious, or angry back to a calm state.
EXAMPLE
Die Mutter konnte ihr weinendes Kind mit leisen Worten beruhigen.
The mother was able to calm her crying child with quiet words.
beruhigen
to calm
To defuse or normalize a tense or unsettled situation.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem heftigen Sturm hat sich das Wetter langsam wieder beruhigt.
After the violent storm, the weather slowly calmed down again.
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 fangen
to catch
Sich fangen and sich beruhigen can both describe recovering after intense agitation. Sich fangen emphasizes regaining composure and self-control. Sich beruhigen focuses more on fear, anger, or physical restlessness subsiding.
beruhigen
Nach dem Schreck beruhigt sie sich, und ihr Herz schlägt wieder langsamer.
After the shock, she calms down, and her heart begins beating more slowly again.
fangen
Nach dem Schreck fängt sie sich und kann wieder klar sprechen.
After the shock, she collects herself and can speak clearly again.
In real life
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