01
die Reihe
row
An arrangement of people or things next to one another in a straight line.
example
Die Kinder stellten sich in einer Reihe auf.
The children lined up in a row.
die Reihe
row / series
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Typical collocations
In the meaning of 'line', 'Reihe' (row) is often used with the prepositions 'in' (in) or 'hinter' (behind). Typical verbs are 'stehen' (to stand), 'sitzen' (to sit), or 'sich aufstellen' (to line up).
EXAMPLE
Die Zuschauer saßen in der ersten Reihe.
The spectators were sitting in the first row.
Fixed expression
The expression 'an der Reihe sein' (to be one's turn) is very common in everyday life. It expresses whose turn it is. The question 'Wer ist an der Reihe?' (Whose turn is it?) is often used in waiting situations, e.g. at the bakery or the doctor's office.
EXAMPLE
Ich warte schon eine Stunde, wann bin ich endlich an der Reihe?
I've been waiting for an hour; when is it finally my turn?
Typical collocation
To describe an indefinite but larger number of things or events, the phrase 'eine ganze Reihe von' (a whole series of) + plural noun is often used.
EXAMPLE
Es gab eine ganze Reihe von Beschwerden über den Lärm.
There were a whole series of complaints about the noise.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'aus der Reihe tanzen' (to dance out of line) means to deliberately behave differently from the group or not follow the rules. It often has a slightly rebellious or individualistic connotation.
EXAMPLE
In seiner Jugend ist er oft aus der Reihe getanzt.
In his youth, he often stepped out of line.
Context clue
When 'Reihe' (series) is used in the context of media, it means a series. You can recognize this from words like 'Buch' (book), 'Film' (film), 'Fernsehen' (television), 'Verlag' (publisher), or 'Autor' (author). It is also often used in compounds like 'Buchreihe' (book series) or 'Krimireihe' (crime series).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe alle Bände dieser Buchreihe gelesen.
I have read all the volumes in this book series.
Compare with
Reihe vs Folge
consequence / episode
'die Folge' and 'die Reihe' can both have to do with an ordered sequence. With series, a 'Folge' is usually a single part, that is, an episode. A 'Reihe' more often means several parts that belong together, for example books, films, or events. In addition, 'Reihe' can generally mean a series of similar things. Learners may confuse the words because both occur with media and sequences. Memory tip: A 'Folge' is often one part; a 'Reihe' is often the whole group.
Reihe
Mein Nachbar sammelt eine Reihe von Kochbüchern aus Italien.
My neighbor collects a series of cookbooks from Italy.
Folge
Die neue Folge des Podcasts hört Frau Demir morgen bei der Arbeit.
Ms. Demir will listen to the new episode of the podcast at work tomorrow.
In real life
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