reif
ripe
Fully developed and suitable for eating, usually referring to fruit or vegetables.
EXAMPLE
Diese Bananen sind schon sehr reif, du solltest sie bald essen.
These bananas are already very ripe; you should eat them soon.
reif
ripe / mature
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Meanings
reif
mature
Advanced in mental and emotional development; adult and sensible in behavior.
EXAMPLE
Für ihr Alter wirkt sie schon sehr reif und verantwortungsbewusst.
For her age, she already seems very mature and responsible.
reif für etwas sein
to be ready for something
To be ready for something or in the right state for it, often in the sense of urgently needing something.
EXAMPLE
Nach dieser anstrengenden Woche bin ich reif für den Urlaub.
After this exhausting week, I'm ready for a vacation.
reif
ready
A plan, idea, or product is developed enough that it can be implemented or brought to market.
EXAMPLE
Das Konzept ist nun reif für die Entscheidung im Vorstand.
The concept is now ready for the board's decision.
Usage tips
Context clue
You can recognize the meaning of 'reif' (ripe/mature) from context. If it refers to food, it means 'edible' or 'ready to eat'. If it refers to a person, it means 'mature in thinking'. If it appears with 'für', it means 'ready for' or 'urgently needing something'.
EXAMPLE
Die Äpfel sind reif, wir können sie pflücken.
The apples are ripe; we can pick them.
Fixed expression
The construction 'reif für etwas sein' (to be ready for something) is a fixed expression that is often used colloquially to express that you urgently need something. A very well-known idiom is 'reif für die Insel sein' (to be ready for an island getaway / to badly need a vacation).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem ganzen Stress bin ich reif für die Insel.
After all that stress, I'm ready for an island getaway.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'suitable for eating', 'reif' (ripe) is typically combined with fruit, vegetables, or cheese. Examples are 'reife Bananen' (ripe bananas), 'reife Tomaten' (ripe tomatoes), or 'reifer Käse' (ripe/mature cheese).
EXAMPLE
Für das Rezept brauchst du sehr reife Tomaten.
For the recipe, you need very ripe tomatoes.
Abstract use
'Reif' (ready/mature) can also be used for abstract things like plans, ideas, or decisions. It then means that something has been fully thought through and is ready for the next step. A fixed expression for this is 'die Zeit ist reif' (the time is ripe).
EXAMPLE
Die Zeit ist reif für eine Veränderung.
The time is ripe for a change.
Compare with
reif vs bereit
ready
Bereit generally describes a prepared state in which implementation can begin. Reif emphasizes, in the case of a concept, that it has reached the necessary stage through its development. Bereit fits when the organizational preparations are complete; reif fits when the content has been developed sufficiently.
reif
Nach mehreren Entwicklungsstufen ist das Konzept reif für die Umsetzung.
After several stages of development, the concept is mature enough to be implemented.
bereit
Nach der letzten Abstimmung ist das Konzept bereit zur Umsetzung.
After the final consultation, the concept is ready to be implemented.
In real life
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