01
reihen
slender / graceful
An outdated, poetic term for a slender and well-proportioned figure or form. The word is hardly used today.
example
Der Dichter pries die reihen Glieder der Tänzerin.
The poet praised the dancer's slender limbs.
reihen
slender / graceful
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
This word is outdated and belongs to poetic language. It is no longer actively used in modern German. You should know it in order to understand old texts, but not use it yourself.
EXAMPLE
In dem Gedicht aus dem 19. Jahrhundert wurde ihre „reihe Gestalt“ gelobt.
In the 19th-century poem, her 'reihe Gestalt' (slender figure) was praised.
Word family
The adjective 'reihen' (slender/graceful) is related to the noun 'die Reihe' (row/line). It describes a form that is as straight, slender, and well-shaped as objects in a perfect row.
EXAMPLE
Die alten Bäume standen in einer geraden Reihe am Wegesrand.
The old trees stood in a straight row along the side of the path.
Typical collocations
In older literature, 'reihen' (slender/graceful) almost exclusively describes the human body. Typical combinations are 'reihe Glieder' (slender limbs) or 'ein reihen Wuchs' (a slender figure).
EXAMPLE
Der Held der Sage wurde für seinen reihen Wuchs bewundert.
The hero of the legend was admired for his slender figure.
Compare with
reihen vs schlank
slim / lean
'schlank' and 'reihen' can both describe a narrow, beautiful figure. The big difference is in usage. 'schlank' is a normal, modern word and works well in everyday language. 'reihen' is outdated and poetic; you are more likely to find it in old texts or very poetic language. In a normal conversation, 'reihen' would sound unusual or wrong. So for learners, the important point is: for people, you almost always say 'schlank' today.
reihen
In dem alten Gedicht wird die Königin als reihen und schön beschrieben.
In the old poem, the queen is described as reihen and beautiful.
schlank
Meine Freundin ist groß und schlank, aber sie macht keinen besonderen Sport.
My friend is tall and slim, but she does not do any special sport.
In real life
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