Voice and Breathing in English
Talk about how the voice works – starting with the breath.
Every good voice starts with good breathing. Whether you sing, teach or give presentations, learn the English words for breath, posture and support – and the instructions you will hear from voice coaches.
Key Words
Ten essential words with their German meaning and an example sentence.
| English | German | Example |
|---|---|---|
| breath | Atem | Take a deep breath before you start. |
| to inhale · to exhale | einatmen · ausatmen | Inhale through your nose, exhale slowly through your mouth. |
| diaphragm | Zwerchfell | The diaphragm moves down when you breathe in. |
| breath support | Atemstütze | Good breath support keeps the sound steady. |
| breath control | Atemkontrolle | Long phrases need good breath control. |
| ribcage | Brustkorb | Feel your ribcage expand to the sides. |
| abdominal muscles | Bauchmuskeln | Your abdominal muscles help to support the sound. |
| lungs | Lunge | Don't try to fill your lungs completely. |
| posture | Haltung | Good posture makes breathing easier. |
| to run out of breath | keine Luft mehr haben | I always run out of breath at the end of the phrase. |
Word Partners
Natural English depends on words that belong together. Learn these as complete phrases.
- to take a deep breath
- to hold your breath
- shallow breathing
- to breathe from your belly
- steady airflow
- relaxed shoulders
- to catch your breath
- a breathing exercise
"Keep your shoulders relaxed and breathe from your belly, not from your chest."
Useful Phrases
Sentence patterns you can use straight away.
Instructions you will hear
- Stand tall, but stay relaxed.
- Breathe in for four, out for eight.
- Don't lift your shoulders.
- Let the air flow – don't push it.
Describing your breathing
- I get out of breath quickly.
- My breathing is too shallow when I'm nervous.
- I can feel my ribs expand.
- I need to breathe earlier before long phrases.
Talk About It
Answer these questions aloud, write a short paragraph, or discuss them with a partner.
- When do you notice your breathing most – when you sing, speak or exercise?
- What happens to your breathing when you are nervous?
- Have you ever done breathing exercises? Did they help?
- Why do you think posture is so important for the voice?
Test Yourself
Click a question to see the answer.
1. What is "Zwerchfell" in English?
The diaphragm.
2. What is the opposite of "to inhale"?
To exhale.
3. "I always ___ out of breath." Which verb?
Run – to run out of breath.
Explore More
More pages in the Voice & Singing series.
Breathe well, speak well.
Learn the words, use them in real sentences and enjoy using your voice in English.
Breathe. Support. Sound.