das Reich
empire
A large territory or state ruled by a ruler; often an empire or kingdom.
EXAMPLE
Das Römische Reich bestand viele Jahrhunderte lang.
The Roman Empire existed for many centuries.
das Reich
realm
das Reich, die Reiche
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
das Reich
realm
An area or world characterized by a particular quality, group, or idea.
EXAMPLE
Im Reich der Fantasie ist vieles möglich.
In the realm of fantasy, anything is possible.
das Reich
kingdom
In biology, a major group into which living organisms are classified according to shared characteristics.
EXAMPLE
Der Mensch gehört zum Reich der Tiere.
Humans belong to the animal kingdom.
ins Reich der Fabel gehören
to belong to the realm of fable
To be untrue, made up, or completely unbelievable.
EXAMPLE
Dass Spinat besonders viel Eisen enthält, gehört ins Reich der Fabel.
The claim that spinach contains especially large amounts of iron belongs to the realm of fable.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Reich, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Reiche |
| genitive | des Reichs |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Reich | die Reiche |
| accusative | das Reich | die Reiche |
| dative | dem Reich | den Reichen |
| genitive | des Reichs des Reiches | der Reiche |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Historical context
In this meaning, 'Reich' (empire) frequently appears in historical or political texts. Typical collocations describe the formation, expansion, or rule of an empire.
EXAMPLE
Das Reich wurde im Laufe der Zeit immer größer.
The empire grew larger and larger over time.
Viele Völker kämpften um die Herrschaft über das Reich.
Many peoples fought for control of the empire.
Typical collocations
'Reich' (empire) often appears with verbs such as 'gründen' (to found), 'erobern' (to conquer), 'regieren' (to rule), and 'zerfallen' (to collapse). These collocations help you formulate historical descriptions naturally.
EXAMPLE
Der Herrscher regierte das Reich fast vierzig Jahre lang.
The ruler governed the empire for almost forty years.
Fixed construction
For a particular conceptual or thematic area, 'Reich' (realm) is often used with 'im' and a complement beginning with 'der': 'im Reich der …' (in the realm of …). The complement identifies what characterizes this area.
EXAMPLE
Im Reich der Musik gelten oft andere Regeln als im Alltag.
In the realm of music, different rules often apply than in everyday life.
Biological classification
In biological texts, 'Reich' (kingdom) is often combined with a group of living organisms. Common collocations include 'Reich der Tiere' (animal kingdom), 'Reich der Pflanzen' (plant kingdom), and 'Reich der Pilze' (fungal kingdom).
EXAMPLE
Bakterien werden in der biologischen Systematik einem eigenen Reich zugeordnet.
In biological taxonomy, bacteria are assigned to their own kingdom.
Fixed expression
The expression 'ins Reich der Fabel gehören' (to belong to the realm of fable) is used when rejecting a claim or story as made up or unbelievable. It often follows an exaggerated account or a rumor.
EXAMPLE
Die Geschichte von dem Schatz im Garten gehört wohl ins Reich der Fabel.
The story about the treasure in the garden probably belongs to the realm of fable.
In real life
Loading video examples...