gerieben
shrewd
Very skilled and experienced, and often also clever or crafty when dealing with other people.
EXAMPLE
Der geriebene Geschäftsmann ließ sich von dem Angebot nicht täuschen.
The shrewd businessman was not fooled by the offer.
gerieben
shrewd
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Meanings
Forms
After der, die, das
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gerieben.
After ein, eine
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -en |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -en |
| dat. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| gen. | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Add the ending to gerieben.
Without article
| masc. | fem. | neut. | plural | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nom. | -er | -e | -es | -e |
| acc. | -en | -e | -es | -e |
| dat. | -em | -er | -em | -en |
| gen. | -en | -er | -en | -er |
Add the ending to gerieben.
Usage tips
Word family
'Gerieben' (shrewd) belongs to the word family of 'reiben' (to rub) and was originally its past participle. As an independent adjective, it colloquially describes an experienced, clever person who is not easily fooled.
EXAMPLE
Sie ist eine geriebene Verkäuferin, die jeden Trick kennt.
She is a shrewd saleswoman who knows every trick.
Context clue
When 'gerieben' (shrewd) refers to a person, a group of people, or their behavior when dealing with others, it is being used figuratively. Signal words include, for example, 'Geschäftsmann' (businessman), 'Händler' (merchant), 'Verhandlungspartner' (negotiating partner), or 'Gegner' (opponent).
EXAMPLE
Der geriebene Händler bemerkte sofort, dass der Kunde unsicher war.
The shrewd merchant immediately noticed that the customer was unsure.
Language and style
The figurative description of a person is mainly colloquial and adds emphasis. At the same time, it can express admiration for the person's experience as well as a certain degree of caution toward them.
EXAMPLE
Mit einem so geriebenen Verhandlungspartner hatte niemand gerechnet.
No one had expected such a shrewd negotiating partner.
In real life
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