01
die Ruhe
quiet
The state in which there are no disturbing sounds or noise; silence.
example
Ich gehe in den Wald, weil ich die Ruhe der Natur liebe.
I go into the forest because I love the quiet of nature.
die Ruhe
quiet / calm
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The noun 'die Ruhe' (quiet/calm) belongs to a word family with the adjective 'ruhig' (quiet/calm) and the verb 'ruhen' (to rest). All of these words refer to a state without movement, noise, or hectic activity.
EXAMPLE
Hier ist es angenehm ruhig.
It's pleasantly quiet here.
Context clue
The context makes clear whether external quiet (no noise) or inner calm (no stress) is meant. Words like 'Natur' (nature) or 'Nacht' (night) point to silence, while 'Stress' (stress) or 'Meditation' (meditation) point to composure.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche absolute Ruhe, um mich zu konzentrieren.
I need absolute quiet in order to concentrate.
Fixed expression
The fixed expression 'jemanden in Ruhe lassen' (to leave someone alone) means not to disturb a person. The person who should not be disturbed is always in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte meinen kleinen Bruder in Ruhe lassen?
Can you please leave my little brother alone?
Fixed expression
The phrase 'die Ruhe bewahren' (to keep calm) is a fixed collocation and means to remain calm and controlled in a difficult situation. Here, 'Ruhe' always appears with the definite article 'die'.
EXAMPLE
Versuchen Sie, in jeder Situation die Ruhe zu bewahren.
Try to keep calm in every situation.
Typical collocations
In connection with inner composure, 'Ruhe' is often combined with verbs like 'finden' (to find), 'verlieren' (to lose), or 'ausstrahlen' (to radiate). The adjective 'innere' (inner) is also a typical collocation.
EXAMPLE
Durch Yoga hat er seine innere Ruhe gefunden.
Through yoga, he found his inner calm.
Typical collocations
When referring to silence, 'Ruhe' is often intensified with adjectives like 'himmlisch' (heavenly), 'absolut' (absolute), or 'tief' (deep). The opposite is when someone 'die Ruhe stört' (disturbs the peace/quiet).
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntagmorgen herrscht hier eine himmlische Ruhe.
On Sunday mornings, there is a heavenly quiet here.
Compare with
Ruhe vs Frieden
peace
'die Ruhe' and 'der Frieden' can both mean a state without disturbance. 'die Ruhe' is often used when it is quiet or when someone remains inwardly relaxed. It also fits in expressions like 'in Ruhe lassen' (to leave someone alone) or 'Ruhe bewahren' (to keep calm). 'der Frieden' is broader and stronger: it can mean that there is no war, or that people live together without conflict. It can also mean inner harmony. Learners may confuse the words because both sound pleasant and stress-free. As a practical rule: for noise, a break, or personal relaxation, 'Ruhe' usually fits. For war, conflict, or peaceful coexistence, 'Frieden' fits better.
Ruhe
Nach dem langen Tag genießt Sofia die Ruhe in ihrer Wohnung.
After the long day, Sofia enjoys the quiet in her apartment.
Frieden
Nach dem Streit wollen die Nachbarn endlich wieder in Frieden zusammenleben.
After the argument, the neighbors finally want to live together in peace again.
In real life
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