01
einatmen
to inhale
To draw air or other gaseous substances through the mouth or nose into the lungs.
example
Bitte atmen Sie tief ein und halten Sie die Luft kurz an.
Please inhale deeply and hold your breath briefly.
einatmen
to inhale
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Separable verb
'Einatmen' (to inhale) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ein' goes at the end. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
EXAMPLE
Ich atme die frische Morgenluft ein.
I inhale the fresh morning air.
Verb structure
The prefix 'ein-' indicates movement inward. In combination with 'atmen' (to breathe), the word therefore logically describes drawing air into the body.
EXAMPLE
Beim Yoga lernt man, bewusst ein- und auszuatmen.
In yoga, you learn to consciously inhale and exhale.
Typical collocations
In its literal meaning, 'einatmen' (to inhale) is often combined with the adverbs 'tief' (deeply), 'langsam' (slowly), or 'ruhig' (calmly). Typical objects are 'Luft' (air), 'Sauerstoff' (oxygen), or also 'Rauch' (smoke).
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt bat mich, tief einzuatmen.
The doctor asked me to inhale deeply.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that the object is something abstract that you cannot actually breathe. Examples are 'die Atmosphäre' (the atmosphere), 'die Kultur' (the culture), or 'die Geschichte' (the history) of a place.
EXAMPLE
In den alten Gassen der Stadt kann man die Geschichte förmlich einatmen.
In the old alleys of the city, you can practically take in its history.
Compare with
einatmen vs holen
to fetch / get
'Luft holen' and 'einatmen' both describe air entering the lungs. 'einatmen' is more precise and describes the physical process: you draw air in through your nose or mouth. 'Luft holen' is often used in everyday language when someone briefly needs to breathe, for example after running or before continuing to speak. It can also mean taking a short pause. Learners may confuse the words because they are very close in meaning. In instructions at the doctor’s or in sports, 'einatmen' sounds more precise; in everyday situations, 'Luft holen' often sounds more natural.
einatmen
In der Werkstatt sollst du den Rauch nicht einatmen.
In the workshop, you should not inhale the smoke.
holen
Nach dem schnellen Treppensteigen muss Mia erst einmal Luft holen.
After quickly climbing the stairs, Mia first has to catch her breath.
In real life
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