relaxation / easing
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relaxation
The state in which body and mind are free from tension, stress, and worries; rest and recovery.
Nach einer anstrengenden Woche freue ich mich auf etwas Entspannung am See.
After a tiring week, I'm looking forward to some relaxation by the lake.
The word is made up of the verb 'spannen' (to tense) and the prefix 'ent-', which expresses reversal or removal. 'Entspannung' (relaxation) is therefore literally the removal of 'Spannung' (tension).
Nach dem Streit war die Spannung im Raum spürbar.
After the argument, the tension in the room was noticeable.
The context makes the meaning clear: if it is about personal rest and leisure time, the general meaning is intended. If people are talking about politics and conflicts, the diplomatic meaning is intended. In scientific texts about muscles or materials, it refers to the physical meaning.
Die Entspannung der angespannten Lage war ein Erfolg der Diplomatie.
The easing of the tense situation was a success for diplomacy.
In the sense of rest and recovery, 'Entspannung' (relaxation) is often combined with verbs such as 'suchen' (to seek), 'finden' (to find), or 'brauchen' (to need). The expression 'zur Entspannung dienen' (to serve as relaxation) is also very common.
Ein Spaziergang im Wald dient der Entspannung.
A walk in the forest serves as relaxation.
In a political context, 'Entspannung' (easing of tensions/détente) is a technical term for the reduction of tensions between states. An important historical concept is the 'Entspannungspolitik' (policy of détente) of the 1970s.
Die Entspannungspolitik führte zu wichtigen Abrüstungsverträgen.
The policy of détente led to important disarmament treaties.
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'die Entspannung' can both mean a pleasant state without stress. 'die Ruhe' often emphasizes that it is quiet, that no one is disturbing you, or that you remain inwardly calm. 'die Entspannung' puts more emphasis on tension in the body or mind becoming less. It fits especially well with free time, sports, breathing, music, or a quiet evening. The words can be confused because calm often leads to relaxation. Memory tip: Ruhe is often the surroundings or the state; Entspannung is the feeling when pressure and tension go away.
Nach dem Yoga fühlt sich die Entspannung im ganzen Körper gut an.
After yoga, the relaxation throughout the whole body feels good.
Bei seinen Eltern hat Jonas am Wochenende viel Ruhe gefunden.
Jonas found a lot of peace and quiet at his parents' place over the weekend.