die
Puste
💨 What does 'die Puste' mean?
The word die Puste (feminine) is a colloquial German term for breath or wind, especially in the context of physical exertion. It can also mean stamina or endurance.
It is almost exclusively used in set phrases, such as:
- jemandem geht die Puste aus (someone runs out of breath, someone lacks stamina)
- außer Puste sein / kommen (to be / get out of breath)
- wieder zu Puste kommen (to catch one's breath again)
⚠️ Note: It's a rather informal word.
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 Spotlight: Die Puste
The noun „die Puste“ is feminine. It is mostly used in the singular, often without an article or in fixed expressions. A plural form („die Pusten“) theoretically exists but is extremely uncommon.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die Puste | eine Puste |
| Genitive | der Puste | einer Puste |
| Dative | der Puste | einer Puste |
| Accusative | die Puste | eine Puste |
Example Sentences
- Nach dem Treppensteigen war ich völlig außer Puste.
(After climbing the stairs, I was completely out of breath.) - Dem Läufer ging auf den letzten Metern die Puste aus.
(The runner ran out of steam / breath in the final meters.) - Lass mich kurz verschnaufen, damit ich wieder zu Puste komme.
(Let me catch my breath quickly so I can get my wind back.) - Für so einen langen Sprint fehlt mir einfach die Puste.
(I simply lack the stamina for such a long sprint.)
🗣️ How to use 'Puste'
The term die Puste clearly belongs to colloquial language. It's mostly used when talking about physical exertion and the associated breathing. It's closely linked to the feeling of being short of breath or lacking stamina.
- Context: Sports, fast movement, exertion (e.g., climbing stairs, running, heavy work).
- Typical Phrases: As mentioned, phrases like "außer Puste sein" (to be out of breath), "die Puste geht aus" (to run out of breath/stamina), and "wieder zu Puste kommen" (to catch one's breath) are very common.
- Comparison: While "der Atem" is more neutral and also used medically, "die Puste" is more figurative and informal. "Die Luft" (air) can also refer to breath (e.g., "Luft holen" - to take a breath), but "Puste" is more specifically related to endurance during exertion.
🧠 Mnemonics for Puste
Article Mnemonic: Think of a feminine person, maybe a dancer ('die Tänzerin'), who finishes her routine and is heavily 'puste-ing'. 'Die' is for feminine nouns.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds like the puffing sound you make when out of breath: "Pooh... Pooh... Puste!" Imagine yourself puste-ing after exercise – that's your Puste (breath/wind).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Der Atem: Neutral term for breath.
- Die Luft: General term for air, but can mean breath (e.g., "Luft holen" - to catch one's breath).
- Die Kondition: Refers to physical stamina/condition.
- Die Ausdauer: Endurance, the ability to sustain effort.
- Der Schnauf: Colloquial term for breath, often heavy breathing.
Antonyms (opposite meaning):
Similar Words:
pusten: The verb means 'to blow' (e.g., to blow out a candle). It's the onomatopoeic root of "die Puste". Don't confuse them!
😂 A Little Joke
Warum nehmen Schnecken keine Rolltreppen?
Weil ihnen auf halber Strecke die Puste ausgeht! 😉
(Why don't snails take escalators?
Because they run out of breath halfway up!)
📜 Poem about Puste
Den Berg hinauf, der Schweiß mir rinnt,
mein Herz, es schlägt geschwind.
Die Lunge brennt, welch eine Qual,
die Puste fehlt, zum x-ten Mal.
Ein Schritt noch, keuchend, kaum bedacht,
bis oben hab ich's doch geschafft!
Nun steh ich hier, komm' langsam klar,
die Puste kehrt zurück, wunderbar!
(Up the mountain, sweat is dripping,
my heart, it beats so fast.
My lungs burn, what a torment,
my breath is gone, for the nth time.
One more step, panting, barely thought,
I've made it to the top at last!
Now I stand here, slowly recovering,
my breath returns, wonderful!)
❓ Riddle Time
Ich komme schnell, wenn du dich plagst,
und gehe weg, wenn du verschnaufst und tagst.
Man sagt, ich gehe aus, wenn's schwer,
wer oder was bin ich, sag her!
(I come quickly when you exert yourself,
and go away when you catch your breath and rest.
They say I 'run out' when things get tough,
who or what am I, tell me now!)
Solution: die Puste (breath / wind / stamina)
💡 More Tidbits
Word Origin: 'Puste' is an onomatopoeic formation related to the verb 'pusten' (to blow), which itself mimics the sound of blowing or heavy breathing. It belongs to the colloquial register and often emphasizes the effort involved.
Cultural Note: Idioms using 'Puste' are widespread in German-speaking regions and are often used to vividly describe exhaustion or lack of stamina.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Puste?
The word "Puste" is feminine. The correct article is die Puste. It is mostly used colloquially to mean breath or stamina, often in fixed phrases like "außer Puste sein" (to be out of breath).