dol.drums

This interesting term comes from sailing. The doldrums are a part of the ocean near the equator, abounding in calms, sudden storms, and light, baffling winds, which sometimes prevent all progress for weeks.

To be “in the doldrums” is to be in a state of depression, boredom, or not knowing what to do.

Here’s what Merriam-Webster has to say:

1: a state of inactivity (in business or art etc); "economic growth of less than 1% per year is considered to be economic stagnation" [syn: stagnation, stagnancy]

2: a belt of calms and light winds between the northern and southern trade winds of the Atlantic and Pacific [syn: the doldrums]

die Flaute = doldrums, calm, dead calm, lull         
die Flaute = depression [econ.]         die Flaute
die Flaute = recession, slack, slack period, stagnation

eine Flaute durchmachen = to be in the doldrums
in eine Flaute geraten = to be becalmed
eine allgemeine Flaute = a general depression in trade