appeal / stimulus / irritation
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appeal
The quality of a thing, person, or situation that makes it attractive, interesting, or desirable.
Der besondere Reiz dieser Stadt liegt in ihrer Mischung aus moderner Architektur und historischen Gassen.
The special appeal of this city lies in its mix of modern architecture and historic alleys.
The noun 'der Reiz' is closely related to the verb 'reizen'. The verb can mean 'to attract/tempt', 'to stimulate', or 'to irritate', and thus reflects the different meanings of the noun.
Lass dich nicht von dem Angebot reizen, es ist zu gut, um wahr zu sein.
Don't be tempted by the offer; it's too good to be true.
You can almost always recognize which meaning 'Reiz' has from the context. In texts about art or travel, it is about appeal (m01); in biology, it means a stimulus (m02); and in medicine, it means an irritation (m03).
Der Reiz des Abenteuers war für sie einfach zu groß.
The appeal of the adventure was simply too great for her.
When referring to attractiveness or appeal, 'Reiz' is often used in fixed expressions. Typical ones are 'seinen Reiz haben' (to have its appeal), 'den Reiz ausmachen' (to be what makes something appealing), or 'den Reiz verlieren' (to lose its appeal).
Auch bei schlechtem Wetter hat die Nordsee ihren ganz eigenen Reiz.
Even in bad weather, the North Sea has its very own appeal.
In the meaning 'stimulus', 'der Reiz' is a technical term from the natural sciences and psychology. It is often combined with adjectives such as 'visuell' (visual), 'akustisch' (acoustic), or 'chemisch' (chemical).
Das Experiment untersucht, wie das Nervensystem auf äußere Reize reagiert.
The experiment investigates how the nervous system reacts to external stimuli.
When 'Reiz' describes irritation, a body part or sensory perception is almost always affected. Common combinations are 'Reiz im Hals' (irritation in the throat), 'Reiz in den Augen' (irritation in the eyes), or 'Hustenreiz' (urge to cough).
Das Chlorwasser im Schwimmbad verursachte einen unangenehmen Reiz auf meiner Haut.
The chlorinated water in the swimming pool caused an unpleasant irritation on my skin.
beauty
'die Schönheit' and 'der Reiz' can both describe why something has a positive effect on us. 'Schönheit' mainly refers to something looking beautiful or being aesthetically pleasing. 'Reiz' is broader: something can have appeal because it is interesting, special, new, or exciting. It does not have to be perfectly beautiful. When talking about appearance, nature, art, or a beautiful person, 'Schönheit' often fits better. When something is attractive even though it may not be classically beautiful, 'Reiz' is more precise.
Für viele liegt der Reiz der alten Wohnung gerade in ihren kleinen Fehlern.
For many people, the appeal of the old apartment lies precisely in its small flaws.
Auf der Wanderung bewunderten wir die Schönheit der Berge.
On the hike, we admired the beauty of the mountains.