die
Atempause
🌬️ What Exactly is 'die Atempause'?
Die Atempause (noun, feminine) refers to a short break or interruption of an activity or state, intended for recovery, catching one's breath, or gathering new strength. It's a pause to breathe, either literally or figuratively. It's often translated as a breather, respite, or short break.
- Meaning 1: A brief pause, often to catch one's breath (e.g., during sports or physical exertion).
- Meaning 2: An interruption of a strenuous or monotonous activity for a short recovery (e.g., at work, while studying).
- Meaning 3: A brief moment of calm or pause in a hectic situation.
The word only takes the feminine article: die Atempause.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
🧐 Grammar: Declining 'die Atempause'
The word "Atempause" is a feminine noun. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Atempause |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Atempause |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Atempause |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Atempause |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Atempausen |
| Genitive | der | Atempausen |
| Dative | den | Atempausen |
| Accusative | die | Atempausen |
Example Sentences
- Nach dem Sprint legte der Läufer eine kurze Atempause ein. (After the sprint, the runner took a short breather.)
- Wir brauchen dringend eine Atempause von der stressigen Arbeit. (We urgently need a break from the stressful work.)
- Gönn dir eine kleine Atempause, bevor du weitermachst. (Treat yourself to a little breather before you continue.)
- Die Musiker nutzten die Atempausen zwischen den Stücken, um sich neu zu konzentrieren. (The musicians used the short breaks between pieces to refocus.)
💡 How to Use 'Atempause'
"Atempause" is used to describe a short interruption primarily for recovery, whether physical or mental. It differs from a general, possibly longer, "Pause" (like a Mittagspause - lunch break) by its typically shorter duration and its focus on 'catching one's breath' (Atem) and regaining strength.
- Context: Often used in situations involving exertion, stress, hectic activity, or monotony.
- Comparison: While "Pause" is more general, "Atempause" emphasizes the aspect of breathing and brief recovery. "Verschnaufpause" is a very close synonym, also highlighting catching one's breath.
- Application: Can be used in professional settings ("eine Atempause vom Meeting" - a breather from the meeting), sports contexts ("eine Atempause nach dem Training" - a break after training), and everyday personal life ("eine Atempause vom Alltagstrubel" - a respite from the daily hustle and bustle).
🧠 Mnemonics for 'Atempause'
Article Mnemonic: Think of "die Pause" (the pause/break). An Atempause is a specific kind of Pause, and Pause is feminine. So: die (Atem-)Pause.
Meaning Mnemonic: Break down the word: "Atem" (breath) + "Pause" (pause). It’s literally a 'breath pause'. Imagine taking a deep breath after exertion – that's the essence of an Atempause.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar Meaning):
- Pause: General term for break/interruption.
- Ruhepause: Emphasizes the rest aspect.
- Verschnaufpause: Very similar, emphasizing catching one's breath after effort.
- Unterbrechung: Neutral term for an interruption.
- Erholungspause: Emphasizes the purpose of recovery.
Antonyms (Opposite Meaning):
- Dauerbetrieb: Continuous operation/work.
- Hektik: Hectic pace, rush.
- Stress: Stress, high pressure.
- Durcharbeiten: Working through without a break.
- Anstrengung (ohne Pause): Effort/exertion (without pause).
⚠️ Caution: While "Unterbrechung" can be a synonym, it lacks the connotation of recovery implied by "Atempause".
😂 A Little Joke
Warum legt der Computer nie eine Atempause ein?
(Why does the computer never take a breather?)
Weil er keine Lungen hat, nur Lüfter! 😉
(Because it has no lungs, only fans!)
📜 Poem about 'Atempause'
Die Welt dreht schnell, der Kopf ist schwer,
der nächste Termin, er drängt so sehr.
Doch halt! Ein Moment, nur kurz und klein,
lass frischen Wind ins Innre rein.
Ein tiefes Luftholen, die Brust wird weit,
die Atempause schenkt neue Zeit.
Dann weiter geh'n, mit klarem Sinn,
so macht das Leben wieder Gewinn.
(The world turns fast, the head is heavy,
the next appointment presses greatly.
But stop! A moment, just short and small,
let fresh wind enter within all.
A deep breath taken, the chest expands wide,
the breather grants new time inside.
Then carry on, with a clear mind,
so life finds its gain once more defined.)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich bin kurz, doch tu dir gut,
schenke dir nach Eile Mut.
Ich unterbreche, was dich plagt,
damit dein Atem neu erwacht.
Was bin ich?
(I am short, but do you good,
give you courage after haste withstood.
I interrupt what troubles you,
so that your breath awakens anew.
What am I?)
(Answer: die Atempause / a breather)
🧩 Word Composition
"Atempause" is a compound noun (Kompositum).
Together, it literally describes a 'pause for breathing' or, figuratively, a pause to regain strength and composure.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Atempause?
The German word "Atempause" is feminine. The correct article is die Atempause. It means a short break or breather, used for recovery.