01
die Pause
break
An interruption of an activity in order to rest, eat, or do something else.
example
Nach zwei Stunden Arbeit machen wir eine kurze Kaffeepause.
After two hours of work, we'll take a short coffee break.
die Pause
break / pause
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word composition
'Pause' (break / pause) is a very productive word and forms many useful new nouns. The first part of the word then describes the type of break, e.g. 'Mittagspause' (lunch break), 'Kaffeepause' (coffee break), or 'Winterpause' (winter break) in sports.
EXAMPLE
Die Spieler freuen sich auf die Winterpause.
The players are looking forward to the winter break.
Typical verbs
The most common and important verb combination is 'eine Pause machen' (to take a break). A somewhat more formal alternative is 'eine Pause einlegen' (to take / insert a break).
EXAMPLE
Lass uns eine kurze Pause machen, ich brauche einen Kaffee.
Let's take a short break; I need a coffee.
Context clues
The meaning of 'Pause' becomes clear from context. In the office or at school, it is a break from work. In the theater or at a concert, it is the intermission between acts. In sheet music, it is a symbol for silence.
EXAMPLE
In der Pause der Oper gab es Sekt.
There was sparkling wine during the opera intermission.
Compare with
Pause vs Ruhe
quiet / calm
'die Ruhe' and 'die Pause' can both mean that you briefly interrupt an activity and recover. However, 'die Pause' clearly refers to the interruption itself, for example at work, at school, or while studying. 'die Ruhe' emphasizes the restful state more: it is quiet, you are not being disturbed, or you can collect yourself inwardly. Learners may confuse the words because people often look for Ruhe during a Pause. Practically speaking: a Pause is the time without work; Ruhe is what you want to have during that time.
Pause
Nach zwei Stunden Lernen machst du in der Bibliothek eine kurze Pause.
After two hours of studying, you take a short break in the library.
Ruhe
Vor dem Termin sucht Julia in der Küche ein paar Minuten Ruhe.
Before the appointment, Julia looks for a few minutes of quiet in the kitchen.
In real life
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