ruhen
to rest
To rest, not be active, in order to recover.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung müssen wir erst einmal ruhen.
After the long hike, we first need to rest.
ruhen
to rest
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Meanings
ruhen
to be at a standstill
To be in a state of silence or standstill; to temporarily not take place or be continued.
EXAMPLE
Wegen der Feiertage ruht die Arbeit auf der Baustelle.
Because of the holidays, work on the construction site is at a standstill.
ruhen auf
to rest on
To lie on a surface or be supported by something. Can also be used figuratively for a burden or responsibility.
EXAMPLE
Alle Augen ruhten auf dem Redner.
All eyes rested on the speaker.
etwas ruhen lassen
to let something rest
To not pursue a matter or dispute further and let it be.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns das Thema für heute einfach ruhen lassen.
Let's just let the topic rest for today.
ruhen
to rest
A euphemism for 'to be buried'; the place of one's final resting place.
EXAMPLE
Auf diesem Friedhof ruhen viele berühmte Persönlichkeiten.
Many famous figures rest in this cemetery.
Usage tips
Word family
'Ruhen' is the verb corresponding to the noun 'die Ruhe' (rest/quiet). When something 'ruht' (rests), it is in a state of rest. This connection helps you understand the different meanings of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Am Sonntag möchte ich nur meine Ruhe haben und auf dem Sofa ruhen.
On Sunday I just want to have my peace and rest on the sofa.
Auxiliary verb in the perfect tense
Although 'ruhen' describes a state, it forms the perfect tense with the auxiliary verb 'haben' (to have), not with 'sein' (to be). So the correct form is 'hat geruht' (has rested).
EXAMPLE
Der Patient hat nach der Operation lange geruht.
The patient rested for a long time after the operation.
Typical collocations
When an activity is temporarily suspended, 'ruhen' is often combined with abstract nouns such as 'die Arbeit' (the work), 'der Verkehr' (traffic), or 'die Bauarbeiten' (construction work).
EXAMPLE
Wegen des Streiks ruht der gesamte Bahnverkehr.
Because of the strike, all rail traffic is at a standstill.
Preposition 'auf'
When something lies on a surface or is supported by something, you use 'ruhen auf' (to rest on) with the dative. This applies both literally and figuratively to responsibility or expectations.
EXAMPLE
Sein Blick ruhte nachdenklich auf dem alten Foto.
His gaze rested thoughtfully on the old photo.
Fixed expression
The fixed expression 'etwas ruhen lassen' (to let something rest) means to deliberately not pursue a matter or dispute further. The topic that you are dropping is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Wir kommen hier nicht weiter. Lassen wir das Thema für heute ruhen.
We're not getting anywhere here. Let's let the topic rest for today.
Elevated style
In connection with death, 'ruhen' (to rest) is a very formal and respectful expression for 'begraben sein' (to be buried). You often find it on gravestones, e.g. in the form 'Hier ruht ...' (Here rests ...).
EXAMPLE
Auf diesem Friedhof ruht ein berühmter Dichter.
A famous poet rests in this cemetery.
Compare with
ruhen vs liegen
to lie / be located
Liegen auf neutrally describes an object’s position on a surface. Ruhen auf can describe the same position, but stylistically emphasizes more strongly that the object is lying still or is supported by the surface. In everyday language, liegen is usually the neutral choice.
ruhen
Das schwere Buch ruht unbewegt auf dem Tisch.
The heavy book is resting motionless on the table.
liegen
Das schwere Buch liegt auf dem Tisch.
The heavy book is lying on the table.
In real life
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