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erholsam
restful
Having the quality of contributing to rest and relaxation and helping one regain strength.
example
Nach der anstrengenden Woche war der Schlaf besonders erholsam.
After the exhausting week, the sleep was especially restful.
erholsam
restful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'erholsam' (restful) is closely related to the verb 'sich erholen' (to recover/rest). While 'sich erholen' describes the action of resting, 'erholsam' describes a quality that makes this recovery possible.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem erholsamen Wochenende fühle ich mich wieder fit.
After a restful weekend, I feel fit again.
Typical collocations
'Erholsam' (restful) is often used to describe periods of time or states. Typical combinations are 'ein erholsamer Schlaf' (a restful sleep), 'ein erholsamer Urlaub' (a restful vacation), 'ein erholsames Wochenende' (a restful weekend), or 'eine erholsame Pause' (a restful break).
EXAMPLE
Ich wünsche dir einen erholsamen Urlaub am Meer.
I wish you a restful vacation by the sea.
Use as an adverb
Besides being used before a noun, 'erholsam' (restful) can also serve as an adverb to describe a verb. It then answers the question 'How?'.
EXAMPLE
Letzte Nacht habe ich endlich wieder erholsam geschlafen.
Last night I finally slept restfully again.
Compare with
erholsam vs anstrengend
strenuous / exhausting
'anstrengend' and 'erholsam' are opposites. 'anstrengend' describes something that takes strength and makes you tired. 'erholsam' describes something that helps you regain your strength. 'entspannend' and 'erholsam' are similar, but 'erholsam' especially emphasizes that you feel better and more rested afterward. A weekend with a lot of work is 'anstrengend'. A quiet weekend without pressure is 'erholsam'.
erholsam
Der Urlaub am See war sehr erholsam, weil wir viel geschlafen und nichts geplant haben.
The vacation by the lake was very restful because we slept a lot and planned nothing.
anstrengend
Am Wochenende war die Arbeit im Garten anstrengend, aber wir haben viel geschafft.
The garden work at the weekend was exhausting, but we got a lot done.
In real life
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