respite
die Verschnaufpause, die Verschnaufpausen
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breather
A short break during which one recovers from physical or mental exertion and regains strength.
Nach dem steilen Aufstieg legten wir eine kurze Verschnaufpause ein.
After the steep climb, we took a short breather.
respite
A temporary interruption of a difficult or stressful situation that provides time to recover or prepare.
Die Waffenruhe verschaffte der Bevölkerung eine dringend benötigte Verschnaufpause.
The ceasefire gave the population a much-needed respite.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Verschnaufpausen |
| genitive | der Verschnaufpause |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Verschnaufpause | die Verschnaufpausen |
| accusative | die Verschnaufpause | die Verschnaufpausen |
| dative | der Verschnaufpause | den Verschnaufpausen |
| genitive | der Verschnaufpause | der Verschnaufpausen |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
'Verschnaufpause' draws on the verb 'verschnaufen' (to catch one's breath), which is associated with briefly stopping to breathe, and combines it with 'Pause' (break). The word's structure makes it clear that the break is meant to restore one's strength.
Nach mehreren Stunden konzentrierter Arbeit war die Verschnaufpause dringend nötig.
After several hours of concentrated work, the breather was urgently needed.
For physical or mental recovery, the phrases 'eine Verschnaufpause einlegen' (to take a breather) and 'sich eine Verschnaufpause gönnen' (to allow oneself a breather) are commonly used. Words indicating duration, such as 'eine kurze' (a short) or 'eine kleine Verschnaufpause' (a short breather), often come before the noun.
Nach zwei Stunden Lernen gönnte sich Jonas eine kurze Verschnaufpause.
After two hours of studying, Jonas allowed himself a short breather.
In this meaning, 'Verschnaufpause' is often used with abstract or societal situations. Typical collocations are 'jemandem eine Verschnaufpause verschaffen' (to give someone a respite) and 'eine Verschnaufpause ermöglichen' (to make a respite possible).
Mit zusätzlichem Geld will die Regierung den Krankenhäusern eine Verschnaufpause verschaffen.
With additional funding, the government wants to give hospitals some respite.
