01
rasten
to rest
To take a break in order to rest, especially during a journey, hike, or another strenuous activity.
example
Nach zwei Stunden Fahrt hielten wir an, um kurz zu rasten.
After two hours of driving, we stopped to rest briefly.
rasten
to rest / lose it
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'rasten' belongs to the noun 'die Rast', which means 'die Pause' (the break) or 'die Ruhepause' (the rest break). So someone who 'rastet' takes a rest break.
EXAMPLE
Auf der langen Wanderung legten wir eine Rast ein.
On the long hike, we took a rest break.
Different auxiliary verb
The verb forms the perfect tense with different auxiliary verbs depending on the meaning. For 'eine Pause machen' (to take a break), you use 'haben'; for 'die Beherrschung verlieren' (to lose control), you use 'sein'.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben auf dem Gipfel des Berges gerastet.
We rested at the top of the mountain.
Context: travel and effort
The meaning 'eine Pause machen' (to take a break) is almost always used in the context of travel, hiking, or physical exertion.
EXAMPLE
Die LKW-Fahrer müssen alle paar Stunden rasten.
Truck drivers have to rest every few hours.
Register: colloquial
The meaning 'die Beherrschung verlieren' (to lose control) is colloquial. It describes very strong, sudden, and often loud anger.
EXAMPLE
Als sein Computer abstürzte, ist er am Schreibtisch völlig gerastet.
When his computer crashed, he completely lost it at his desk.
Compare with
rasten vs weitergehen
to continue / move on
'weitergehen' and 'rasten' are clearly opposed in the context of movement and taking a break. 'weitergehen' means that you continue on your way on foot and do not stop. 'rasten' means that you take a break to rest, especially during a hike or journey. So the contrast is: either you continue on your way, or you stop and rest. For a short break along the way, 'rasten' is more precise; when the break is over, you can 'weitergehen' again.
rasten
Wir rasten heute an der alten Brücke, bevor der steile Weg beginnt.
Today we rest at the old bridge before the steep path begins.
weitergehen
Nach der kurzen Pause gehen wir mit dem Gast weiter zum See.
After the short break, we continue on with the guest to the lake.
In real life
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