01
sich recken
to stretch
To stretch one's body or limbs, often after waking up or sitting for a long time, in order to stretch the muscles.
example
Die Katze reckte sich genüsslich in der Sonne.
The cat stretched contentedly in the sun.
recken
to stretch
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Reflexive use
In the meaning of 'den Körper dehnen' (to stretch the body), the verb is almost always used reflexively: 'sich recken' (to stretch). The reflexive pronoun must be adjusted to the person.
EXAMPLE
Ich recke mich jeden Morgen nach dem Aufwachen.
I stretch every morning after waking up.
Fixed expression
A very common fixed expression is 'sich recken und strecken' (to stretch oneself out). The two verbs are often used together to describe the movement of stretching in a fuller way.
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Autofahrt stiegen alle aus und reckten und streckten sich.
After the long car ride, everyone got out and stretched.
Transitive use
When 'recken' (to stretch out) is not used reflexively, it needs an accusative object. You stretch 'etwas' (something) in a direction. Typical objects are body parts.
EXAMPLE
Die Zuschauer reckten die Köpfe, um die Bühne besser zu sehen.
The spectators stretched out their heads to see the stage better.
Compare with
recken vs beugen
to bend
'beugen' and 'recken' are often opposites in body movements. 'beugen' tends to go downward, forward, or into a bent shape. For example, you can bend your back, your head, or your knee. 'recken' means to make the body or a body part long and often stretch it upward or forward. For example, you can stretch your neck to see better, or stretch your arms upward. In short: with 'beugen', something becomes smaller or more bent; with 'recken', it becomes longer and higher.
recken
Um über die Mauer zu schauen, reckt Tom den Hals.
To look over the wall, Tom stretches his neck.
beugen
Im Supermarkt beugt sie sich zu dem unteren Regal.
In the supermarket, she bends down toward the lower shelf.
In real life
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