einatmen

German Word

einatmen (verb)

English Definition

to inhale

§ Basic Usage of 'einatmen'

The verb 'einatmen' means 'to inhale'. It's a separable verb, which means the prefix 'ein-' separates from the main verb 'atmen' in many sentence structures. This is common in German, so pay attention to it.

When 'einatmen' is used in the present tense or simple past (Präteritum) in a main clause, the 'ein-' part goes to the very end of the sentence. The 'atmen' part is conjugated.

Hint

He inhales deeply.

Hint

Please inhale slowly.

§ 'einatmen' in Perfect Tenses

When forming the perfect tenses (Perfekt, Plusquamperfekt), 'einatmen' uses 'haben' as its auxiliary verb. The past participle is 'eingeatmet'. Remember the 'ge-' is inserted between the prefix and the verb stem.

Hint

She inhaled the scent of the flowers.

Hint

We had inhaled the fresh mountain air.

§ 'einatmen' in Subordinate Clauses

In subordinate clauses, the conjugated form of 'einatmen' (with its prefix still attached) moves to the end of the clause. This is standard for German verb placement in these types of sentences.

Hint

It is important that one inhales calmly.

Hint

Before you begin the exercise, you should inhale deeply.

§ Common Phrases and Contexts

You'll often hear 'einatmen' in contexts related to health, relaxation, or describing actions. There aren't many fixed idiomatic expressions, but it's frequently paired with adverbs like 'tief' (deeply) or 'langsam' (slowly).

• Tief einatmen: To inhale deeply.
• Langsam einatmen: To inhale slowly.
• Die frische Luft einatmen: To inhale the fresh air.

§ No Specific Prepositions Needed

'Einatmen' generally does not require a specific preposition to function. If you are inhaling *something*, that something will usually be in the accusative case, as it's the direct object of the action.

Hint

She inhales the smoke (direct object, accusative).

So, when you see a noun directly after 'einatmen' (or 'atmet...ein'), it's likely the thing being inhaled and will be in the accusative case.