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
recken
to stretch out
To stretch something upward or forward, usually the arms or neck.
EXAMPLE
Die Kinder reckten ihre Hälse, um über die Mauer zu blicken.
The children stretched out their necks to look over the wall.
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 strecken
to stretch
Sich strecken and sich recken both describe extending the body, for example after sitting for a long time. Strecken can emphasize a deliberate, targeted extension. Recken sounds more like spontaneously straightening up and vigorously extending the body.
recken
Nach dem Sitzen steht Jana auf und reckt sich kräftig.
After sitting, Jana stands up and stretches vigorously.
strecken
Nach dem Sitzen streckt Jana sich langsam, um ihren Rücken zu entspannen.
After sitting, Jana slowly stretches to relax her back.
In real life
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