das Nichtstun
Translation
idleness, doing nothing, inaction
Examples
Nach der harten Arbeit genoss er das Nichtstun.
After the hard work, he enjoyed the idleness.
Manchmal ist Nichtstun die beste Medizin.
Sometimes, doing nothing is the best medicine.
Grammar Patterns
to enjoy doing nothing to enjoy idleness I enjoy doing nothing on the weekend.
Similar Words
Synonyms: Müßiggang, Faulheit; Antonyms: Tätigkeit, Arbeit
Etymology
From 'nichts' (nothing) and 'tun' (to do). It's a nominalized infinitive, literally meaning 'the nothing-doing'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone literally 'doing' ('tun') 'nothing' ('nichts'). Just relaxing and being idle.