reichlich
plentiful
Present in a large amount; more than enough.
EXAMPLE
Auf dem Buffet gab es reichlich zu essen für alle Gäste.
There was plentiful food for all the guests at the buffet.
reichlich
plentiful / quite
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Meanings
reichlich
quite
Used as an adverb for emphasis and then means 'rather' or 'very'.
EXAMPLE
Du kommst reichlich spät, die Besprechung ist schon fast vorbei.
You're arriving quite late; the meeting is already almost over.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Reichlich' (plentiful / quite) is derived from 'reich' (rich). The ending '-lich' turns the adjective 'reich' (in the sense of 'having a lot') into a word that means 'in a rich/large amount'.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben noch reichlich Zeit bis der Zug abfährt.
We still have plenty of time before the train departs.
Adjective or adverb?
The meaning of 'reichlich' depends on its function in the sentence. If it comes before a noun, it means 'a lot' or 'more than enough'. If it comes before an adjective or adverb, it means 'quite' or 'very'.
EXAMPLE
Nach der Wanderung hatten wir reichlich Hunger.
After the hike, we were plenty hungry.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'in großer Menge' (in a large amount), 'reichlich' is often used with uncountable nouns or plural nouns. Typical combinations are 'reichlich Zeit' (plenty of time), 'reichlich Platz' (plenty of space), 'reichlich Gründe' (plenty of reasons), or 'reichlich Essen' (plenty of food).
EXAMPLE
Für den Umzug brauchen wir reichlich Kartons.
We need plenty of boxes for the move.
Use as an adverb
As an adverb for emphasis, with the meaning 'ziemlich' (quite), 'reichlich' is often used to express slight surprise or criticism. It can sound somewhat more formal or emphatic.
EXAMPLE
Deine Erklärung ist reichlich kompliziert.
Your explanation is quite complicated.
Compare with
reichlich vs sehr
very
Sehr and reichlich can intensify an adjective. Sehr neutrally expresses a high degree, while reichlich sounds stronger and can suggest that something goes beyond the appropriate or desired level. For a noticeably excessive value, reichlich is therefore especially suitable.
reichlich
Der Preis für dieses einfache Zimmer ist reichlich hoch.
The price for this simple room is quite high.
sehr
Der Preis für das Zimmer ist sehr hoch.
The price for the room is very high.
In real life
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