reich
rich
Having a great deal of money, property, or wealth.
EXAMPLE
Er träumt davon, eines Tages reich zu sein und nicht mehr arbeiten zu müssen.
He dreams of being rich one day and no longer having to work.
reich
rich
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
reich an
rich in
Present in a large amount or variety.
EXAMPLE
Diese Region ist reich an Bodenschätzen.
This region is rich in mineral resources.
reich
rich
Figuratively, varied, substantial, or of high value.
EXAMPLE
Sie hat ein reiches Wissen über die Geschichte des Landes.
She has rich knowledge of the country's history.
Usage tips
Fixed preposition
When 'reich' (rich) means that something is present in a large amount, it is always followed by the preposition 'an' with the dative. The structure is: reich an etwas (Dativ) (rich in something, dative).
EXAMPLE
Spinat ist reich an Eisen.
Spinach is rich in iron.
Word family
'Reich' (rich) is the adjective related to the noun 'der Reichtum' (wealth). There is also the verb 'bereichern' (to enrich), which means to make something richer or to be a valuable addition.
EXAMPLE
Diese Reise hat mein Leben sehr bereichert.
This trip enriched my life greatly.
Context clue
If 'reich' stands alone and describes a person, it usually means 'wealthy' (m01). If 'an' follows, the figurative meaning 'containing a lot of something' is meant (m02). In combination with abstract nouns like 'Erfahrung' (experience), it is also used figuratively (m03).
EXAMPLE
Er ist ein sehr reicher Mann.
He is a very rich man.
Figurative use
In a figurative sense, 'reich' (rich) describes something that is varied, valuable, or substantial. Common collocations are 'eine reiche Erfahrung' (a rich experience), 'ein reiches Wissen' (rich knowledge), or 'eine reiche Kultur' (a rich culture).
EXAMPLE
Der Austausch mit anderen Kulturen ist eine reiche Erfahrung.
The exchange with other cultures is a rich experience.
Compare with
reich vs Königreich
kingdom
“reich” is an adjective describing someone or something that has a great deal of property or wealth. “Das Königreich” (kingdom), on the other hand, is a state with a king or queen as its head of state. Use “reich” to describe wealth and “Königreich” to refer to the form of government or the country.
reich
Das Land ist reich, weil es große Rohstoffvorkommen besitzt.
The country is rich because it has large natural-resource deposits.
Königreich
Das Königreich wird seit Jahrhunderten von einer Königin regiert.
The kingdom has been ruled by a queen for centuries.
In real life
Loading video examples...