to take a deep breath / catch one's breath
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to take a deep breath
To breathe in and out deeply and fully, often in order to recover physically or calm down.
Nachdem er die Treppe hochgelaufen war, musste er erst einmal tief durchatmen.
After he had run up the stairs, he first had to take a deep breath.
to catch one's breath
In a figurative sense, to take a break in order to recover from stress or a demanding period and gather new strength.
Nach den Prüfungen können wir am Wochenende endlich mal richtig durchatmen.
After the exams, we can finally really catch our breath this weekend.
"Durchatmen" (to take a deep breath/catch one's breath) is a separable verb. The prefix "durch" comes at the end in a main clause; in a subordinate clause the verb stays together, and in the infinitive with "zu", "zu" goes in the middle.
Atme erst einmal tief durch!
First take a deep breath!
The prefix "durch-" emphasizes here that the action of breathing is carried out fully or intensely. It is not just about normal breathing, but about a conscious, deep breath.
Nach dem Schreck musste sie erst einmal kräftig durchatmen.
After the shock, she first had to take a strong, deep breath.
You can often recognize the figurative meaning from time expressions that describe a longer break. While the literal meaning refers to a brief moment, the figurative meaning refers to a recovery period such as a weekend or a vacation.
Nach diesem stressigen Projekt brauchen wir alle eine Pause zum Durchatmen.
After this stressful project, we all need a break to catch our breath.
to breathe a sigh of relief
Durchatmen and aufatmen can both be associated with taking a deep breath after stress. Durchatmen emphasizes deliberate breathing or a break to recover, while aufatmen expresses relief after a worry, period of tension, or danger. Durchatmen is the right choice for taking a calming break; after receiving good news, aufatmen is more appropriate.
Nach der langen Besprechung ging ich kurz hinaus, um durchzuatmen.
After the long meeting, I went outside for a moment to catch my breath.
Als die Prüfung vorbei war, konnten alle erleichtert aufatmen.
When the exam was over, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief.
