composed / braced / caught
Loading your saved state.
composed
Calm and controlled, especially in a difficult, emotional, or dangerous situation. You show no outward signs of panic or strong agitation.
Trotz der schlechten Nachrichten blieb sie erstaunlich gefasst und organisierte die nächsten Schritte.
Despite the bad news, she remained remarkably composed and organized the next steps.
'Gefasst' is the past participle of the verb 'fassen' (to grasp/catch). The different meanings derive from this: to emotionally 'hold' or 'compose' oneself (calm), to 'catch' a criminal (seize), or to mentally 'grasp' a situation (prepare oneself).
Sie nahm die Nachricht sehr gefasst auf.
She took the news very calmly.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: The fixed expression 'sich auf etwas gefasst machen' means 'to prepare oneself.' In connection with crime, it means 'caught.' In emotional situations, it means 'calm and controlled.'
Der Einbrecher wurde schnell gefasst.
The burglar was caught quickly.
In the meaning 'calm,' 'gefasst' (composed) is often combined with verbs such as 'bleiben' (to remain), 'wirken' (to seem), or 'reagieren' (to react). It describes a controlled reaction to a difficult situation.
Er wirkte äußerlich gefasst, aber innerlich war er sehr nervös.
Outwardly, he seemed composed, but inside he was very nervous.
The expression 'sich auf etwas gefasst machen' (to brace oneself for something) is reflexive and requires the preposition 'auf' with the accusative. It is almost always used for negative or difficult events.
Der Wetterbericht ist schlecht, wir müssen uns auf starken Regen gefasst machen.
The weather forecast is bad; we have to brace ourselves for heavy rain.
ready
'bereit' and 'gefasst' can both mean that someone is prepared for something that is coming. 'bereit' is more general: you are prepared and willing to do something, or you can begin. 'gefasst' has more to do with inner calm, especially before something difficult, unpleasant, or surprising. For example, you say 'auf schlechte Nachrichten gefasst sein' (to be prepared for bad news). Learners may confuse the words because both express preparation. As a guide: 'bereit' fits action and starting, while 'gefasst' fits calmly enduring something or mental preparation.
Mach dich darauf gefasst, dass der Termin länger dauern kann.
Be prepared for the appointment to take longer.
Nach der kurzen Pause sind alle bereit für die nächste Aufgabe.
After the short break, everyone is ready for the next task.