01
ruhig
quiet
Describing a state of silence and little background noise; quiet.
example
Wir wohnen in einer sehr ruhigen Straße ohne viel Verkehr.
We live on a very quiet street without much traffic.
ruhig
quiet / calm
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'ruhig' (quiet/calm) is derived directly from the noun 'die Ruhe' (quiet/calm/rest). When something is 'ruhig', then there is 'Ruhe' there.
EXAMPLE
Ich brauche am Abend meine Ruhe, deshalb mag ich ruhige Orte.
I need my peace and quiet in the evening, so I like quiet places.
Adjective or particle
'Ruhig' can be a normal adjective that describes a noun. But it can also be a particle that makes a statement friendlier or signals permission and is not translated literally.
EXAMPLE
Das ist ein ruhiges Hotel am Meer.
That is a quiet hotel by the sea.
Fixed collocation
The phrase 'ruhig bleiben' (to stay calm) is very common. It is advice or an instruction not to lose your nerve in a stressful or exciting situation.
EXAMPLE
Auch wenn es schwierig wird, ist es wichtig, ruhig zu bleiben und klar zu denken.
Even when things get difficult, it is important to stay calm and think clearly.
Particle of encouragement
As a particle, 'ruhig' expresses permission or encouragement, similar to 'go ahead' or 'without hesitation'. It usually comes after the verb and the subject.
EXAMPLE
Frag ruhig, wenn du etwas nicht verstehst.
Go ahead and ask if you don't understand something.
Compare with
ruhig vs schon
already
'schon' and 'ruhig' can both have a reassuring or encouraging effect. 'schon' is often used to say: it will be okay, or it is not so bad. 'ruhig' is used when you allow or recommend someone to do something without hesitation. That is why they are not simply interchangeable. Learners confuse them because both can sound friendly and reassuring. Memory tip: 'schon' reassures about the outcome, while 'ruhig' gives permission or encourages an action.
ruhig
Du kannst die Ärztin ruhig fragen, wenn du etwas nicht verstehst.
Feel free to ask the doctor if you do not understand something.
schon
Keine Sorge, der Termin klappt schon.
Don't worry, the appointment will work out.
In real life
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