calmness
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calmness
The quality of acting calmly, thoughtfully, and sensibly, without being guided by emotions or haste.
In der Krise bewahrte sie ihre Besonnenheit und traf die richtigen Entscheidungen.
In the crisis, she kept her calmness and made the right decisions.
'Besonnenheit' (calmness) is a noun derived from the adjective 'besonnen' (calm, level-headed). The ending '-heit' is often used in German to form abstract nouns from adjectives that describe a quality or state.
Er ist für seine Besonnenheit bekannt und wird von allen Kollegen geschätzt.
He is known for his calmness and is valued by all his colleagues.
'Besonnenheit' (calmness) is often used with certain verbs. You can say 'Besonnenheit bewahren' (to keep calm), 'Besonnenheit zeigen' (to show calmness), or 'mit Besonnenheit handeln' (to act with calmness).
Trotz des großen Drucks bewahrte der Pilot die Besonnenheit.
Despite the great pressure, the pilot kept his calmness.
The word 'Besonnenheit' (calmness) belongs more to elevated or written language. It sounds more formal and is often used to describe a person as especially mature and thoughtful.
Die Rede des Politikers zeichnete sich durch große Besonnenheit aus.
The politician's speech was marked by great calmness.
composure / serenity
Gelassenheit and Besonnenheit can both describe a calm reaction in a crisis. Gelassenheit emphasizes an inner state without agitation, while Besonnenheit emphasizes thoughtful and sensible action. Someone who remains calm can be gelassen; someone who also carefully weighs the options acts besonnen.
Dank seiner Besonnenheit traf er unter Zeitdruck eine vernünftige Entscheidung.
Thanks to his prudence, he made a sensible decision under time pressure.
Trotz der lauten Kritik bewahrte sie ihre Gelassenheit.
Despite the loud criticism, she maintained her composure.
