to tower / protrude
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to tower / protrude
To rise high above the surroundings or stick out of something. It is often used for mountains, towers, or other tall objects.
Die Gipfel der Alpen ragen majestätisch in den Himmel.
The peaks of the Alps tower majestically into the sky.
The verb 'ragen' (to tower/protrude) is very often combined with prepositions that indicate a position or direction. Typical patterns are 'in etwas (Akk.) ragen' (to protrude into something), 'aus etwas (Dat.) ragen' (to stick out of something), and 'über etwas (Akk.) ragen' (to tower over something).
Ein alter Turm ragt über die Dächer der Stadt.
An old tower rises above the roofs of the city.
'Ragen' (to tower/protrude) is an expressive verb that is often used in written language or in vivid, elevated language. It creates a strong visual image of height and size.
Die Wolkenkratzer ragen wie Nadeln in den Nachthimmel.
The skyscrapers tower like needles into the night sky.
In its literal meaning, 'ragen' (to tower/protrude) is mostly used for large, immovable objects. Typical subjects are 'Berggipfel' (mountain peaks), 'Türme' (towers), 'Felsen' (rocks), 'Gebäude' (buildings), or 'Klippen' (cliffs).
Die steilen Klippen ragen direkt aus dem Meer empor.
The steep cliffs rise directly out of the sea.
In the figurative meaning, 'ragen' (to stand out) is used for people or their abstract qualities. The verb then describes that someone or something is superior to others or clearly stands out from a group.
Ihr Talent ragt weit aus dem Durchschnitt heraus.
Her talent stands out far above the average.
to hand / to suffice
'reichen' and 'ragen' can both describe something extending to a point or in a direction. 'reichen' is more general: something can reach as far as a boundary, down to the floor, or up to the ceiling. 'ragen' is used more when something clearly stands upward or sticks out of something, for example a tower, a mountain, or a branch. Learners may confuse the words because both describe extension. In practical terms: 'reichen' emphasizes the endpoint, while 'ragen' emphasizes noticeable protruding or towering.
Der alte Kirchturm ragt hoch über die Häuser.
The old church tower rises high above the houses.
Das Regal reicht fast bis zur Decke.
The shelf reaches almost up to the ceiling.