die
Ruhe
🧘♀️ What does "die Ruhe" mean?
Die Ruhe (noun, feminine) describes a state of silence, stillness, or inner peace. It can refer to several aspects:
- Silence/Quietness: The absence of noise or sound. Example: In der Bibliothek herrscht angenehme Ruhe. (There is pleasant quietness in the library.)
- Relaxation/Rest: A break from activity or effort; a state of physical or mental relaxation. Example: Nach der Arbeit brauche ich meine Ruhe. (After work, I need my peace and quiet / rest.)
- Calmness/Inner Peace: A state of emotional balance and absence of worry or excitement. Example: Sie strahlte eine tiefe innere Ruhe aus. (She radiated a deep inner calm.)
- Stillness/Immobility: The absence of movement. Example: Das Wasser des Sees lag in völliger Ruhe da. (The water of the lake lay there in complete stillness.)
- Public Order: Sometimes used in the sense of peace and order. Example: Störung der öffentlichen Ruhe. (Disturbance of the public peace.)
🚨 Important: Ruhe is a feminine noun and always takes the article die.
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 in Detail: Die Ruhe
Die Ruhe is a feminine noun. It is mostly used in the singular. A plural form (die Ruhen) exists but is very rare and typically used only in specific contexts (e.g., Ruhezeiten - rest periods) or in elevated language.
Declension Singular
| Case | Definite Article | Indefinite Article |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die Ruhe | eine Ruhe |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der Ruhe | einer Ruhe |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der Ruhe | einer Ruhe |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die Ruhe | eine Ruhe |
📝 Example Sentences
- Ich genieße die Ruhe am Sonntagmorgen.
(I enjoy the peace and quiet on Sunday morning.) - Trotz der Ruhe des Ortes fühlte er sich unwohl.
(Despite the quietness of the place, he felt uncomfortable.) - Nach langer Krankheit fand er endlich zu seiner inneren Ruhe.
(After a long illness, he finally found his inner peace.) - Bitte stör meine Ruhe nicht!
(Please don't disturb my peace!) - Er braucht jetzt erstmal eine Ruhepause.
(He needs a break / rest now.)
🗣️ How to use "die Ruhe"?
Die Ruhe is a very common word in German. Here are some typical contexts and idioms:
- Ruhe und Frieden: (Peace and quiet) - A common fixed phrase. "Ich wünsche dir Ruhe und Frieden." (I wish you peace and quiet.)
- In Ruhe lassen: (To leave someone alone / in peace). "Lass mich bitte in Ruhe!" (Please leave me alone!)
- Ruhe bewahren: (To keep calm). "Auch in stressigen Situationen ist es wichtig, Ruhe zu bewahren." (Even in stressful situations, it's important to keep calm.)
- Zur Ruhe kommen: (To calm down, to settle down, to find rest). "Nach dem aufregenden Tag mussten die Kinder erstmal zur Ruhe kommen." (After the exciting day, the children first had to calm down.)
- Die Ruhe vor dem Sturm: (The calm before the storm) - A deceptive quietness or calm before something hectic or difficult happens.
- Sich zur Ruhe setzen / In den Ruhestand gehen: (To retire).
- Die ewige Ruhe: (Eternal rest) - A euphemism for death.
Compared to die Stille, which primarily describes the absence of sound, die Ruhe can also mean a state of inner calm or a break from activity.
🧠 Mnemonics for "die Ruhe"
Article Mnemonic: Think of feminine concepts often associated with quietness or peace, like "die Stille" (silence) or maybe "die Pause" (the break). Many feminine nouns end in -e, like die Ruhe. Imagine a queen (die Königin) demanding absolute Ruhe.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word "Ruhe" sounds a bit like the English word "rue", and you might rue the day you don't get enough rest or quiet (Ruhe). Or think of a comfortable "room" where you seek quiet and calm (Ruhe).
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Die Stille: Silence, quietness (primarily lack of sound).
- Die Gelassenheit: Calmness, composure, serenity.
- Der Frieden: Peace (absence of conflict, also inner peace).
- Die Rast: Rest, break (often during physical activity).
- Die Beschaulichkeit: Tranquility, contemplativeness.
- Die Entspannung: Relaxation.
⚠️ Caution: While similar, e.g., die Stille isn't always a perfect substitute for die Ruhe, as Ruhe can be broader (including inner calm).
😄 A Little Joke
Fragt der Lehrer: "Was ist die Steigerung von Ruhe?"
Schüler: "Ruhestand!"
Teacher asks: "What is the comparative/superlative form (lit. 'increase') of Ruhe (rest/quiet)?"
Student: "Ruhestand (retirement)!"
✍️ Poem about Ruhe
Wenn der Lärm der Welt verklingt,
und die Hektik nicht mehr singt,
wenn der Geist sich sanft erhebt,
und nur Stille uns umschwebt.
Das ist die Ruhe, tief und klar,
macht das Schwere unsichtbar.
Ein Moment, um aufzutanken,
ohne Sorgen, ohne Schranken.
--- English Translation ---
When the world's noise fades away,
And the hustle sings no more its lay,
When the spirit gently lifts,
And only silence round us drifts.
That is the calm/quiet (die Ruhe), deep and clear,
Makes the heavy disappear.
A moment to recharge the soul,
Without worries, taking its toll.
❓ Little Riddle
Ich habe keine Stimme, doch bringe Schweigen her.
Ich habe keine Hände, doch stoppe den Verkehr (der Gedanken).
Man sucht mich nach dem Streite, man braucht mich nach der Hast.
Ich bin des Weisen Stärke und des Müden liebste Rast.
Was bin ich? (Lösung: die Ruhe)
--- English Translation ---
I have no voice, yet I bring silence near.
I have no hands, yet stop the traffic (of thoughts) clear.
People seek me after quarrels, need me after haste.
I am the wise one's strength and the weary's favorite rest/taste.
What am I?
(Answer: die Ruhe - calm/quiet/rest)
💡 Other Interesting Facts
Word Compounds: Ruhe is part of many German words:
- Der Ruhestand: Retirement.
- Der Ruhetag: Day of rest (often Sunday).
- Der Ruheplatz: Resting place.
- Die Ruhestörung: Disturbance of the peace (illegal noise).
- Die Grabesruhe: Silence of the grave (often metaphorical for absolute quiet).
- Unruhe: The opposite of Ruhe; restlessness, unrest.
Cultural Significance: Ruhezeiten (quiet periods, e.g., midday rest, night-time quiet) are sometimes legally regulated in Germany and hold significant cultural importance for community life.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ruhe?
The German word Ruhe is feminine. The correct article is always die: die Ruhe. It describes states such as silence, relaxation, calmness, or stillness.