entspannen
relax
Sich körperlich oder geistig ruhig machen, damit Stress und Anspannung weniger werden.
Definition & meaning
The verb entspannen is most commonly used to mean "to relax." It describes the act of becoming less tense, resting, or unwinding from stress or physical exertion.
- To relax / to rest: To decrease tension in the mind or body (e.g., after a long day of work).
- To release tension: To loosen something that was tight or stretched (e.g., a muscle or a mechanical spring).
- Reflexive usage (sich entspannen): To calm down or take a break.
Grammar & Word origin
Grammar:
- Type: Weak verb.
- Conjugation: entspannen (infinitive), entspannte (past tense), hat entspannt (perfect tense).
- Usage: It is very frequently used as a reflexive verb: sich entspannen.
Word origin: The word is composed of the prefix ent- (indicating removal or reversal) and the noun Spannung (tension). Literally, it translates to "to remove tension."
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- sich erholen : to recover or recuperate.
- ausspannen : to unhitch or to take a break.
- runterkommen : to calm down (colloquial).
- relaxen : a common German anglicism for relaxing.
Antonyms:
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Examples
Wir entspannen uns am Wochenende.verb
We relax on the weekend.
Er entspannt sich am liebsten im Park.verb
He prefers to relax in the park.
Wir entspannen am Wochenende im Park.verb
We relax in the park on the weekend.
Viele Leute entspannen gern am See.verb
Many people like to relax by the lake.
Viele Menschen entspannen am liebsten zu Hause.verb
Many people prefer to relax at home.
Man kann am Abend auf dem Balkon entspannen.verb
You can relax on the balcony in the evening.
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