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
die Pause
intermission
The break between parts of a performance, for example in the theater or at a concert.
EXAMPLE
In der Pause können Sie am Buffet Getränke kaufen.
During the intermission, you can buy drinks at the buffet.
die Pause
rest
In music, a notation symbol that indicates a silence of a certain duration.
EXAMPLE
An dieser Stelle im Stück hat der Trompeter eine ganze Pause.
At this point in the piece, the trumpeter has a whole rest.
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
Both Ruhe and a Pause can serve as time for recovery. A Pause is a limited interruption after which the activity usually continues; here, Ruhe refers to restorative time without activity, without specifying an exact duration or whether the activity will continue.
Pause
Nach zwei Stunden Gartenarbeit macht sie zehn Minuten Pause und arbeitet dann weiter.
After two hours of gardening, she takes a ten-minute break and then continues working.
Ruhe
Nach zwei Stunden Gartenarbeit gönnt sie sich etwas Ruhe.
After two hours of gardening, she takes some time to rest.
In real life
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