01
reizen
to appeal
To find someone or something attractive or interesting; to present an incentive or temptation.
example
Die Möglichkeit, im Ausland zu arbeiten, reizt mich sehr.
The possibility of working abroad really appeals to me.
reizen
to appeal / provoke / irritate
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family: der Reiz
The verb 'reizen' is closely connected to the noun 'der Reiz' (stimulus/appeal). A 'Reiz' can be something positive (incentive), something negative (provocation), or something physical (irritation), which explains the different meanings of the verb.
EXAMPLE
Die unberührte Natur reizt viele Touristen.
The untouched nature appeals to many tourists.
Recognizing the meaning from the object
The meaning of 'reizen' depends strongly on the object. If a possibility or an offer 'reizt' (appeals), it is positive. If you 'reizt' (provoke) a person or animal, it is negative. If something 'reizt' (irritates) the skin or eyes, it is a physical reaction.
EXAMPLE
Das Angebot, in Japan zu arbeiten, reizt sie sehr.
The offer to work in Japan really appeals to her.
Sentence structure with infinitive
In the meaning 'attraktiv sein' (to be attractive/appealing), the structure 'es reizt jemanden, zu + Infinitiv' (it appeals to someone to + infinitive) is often used. The person who feels the appeal is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Es würde mich reizen, eine neue Sprache zu lernen.
It would appeal to me to learn a new language.
Fixed expression
A common and very strong expression is 'jemanden bis aufs Blut reizen' (to provoke someone to the extreme). It means to make someone extremely angry.
EXAMPLE
Mit seinen ständigen Provokationen hat er sie bis aufs Blut gereizt.
With his constant provocations, he provoked her to the extreme.
Physical reactions
This meaning is almost always used for physical reactions. Typical objects are 'die Augen' (the eyes), 'die Haut' (the skin), 'die Atemwege' (the airways), or 'der Magen' (the stomach).
EXAMPLE
Staub und Pollen reizen die Atemwege von Allergikern.
Dust and pollen irritate the airways of allergy sufferers.
Technical language in card games
This meaning is technical language and is used only in certain card games such as Skat or bridge. Outside this context, you will not hear it.
EXAMPLE
Wer reizt am höchsten und darf das Spiel ansagen?
Who bids the highest and gets to declare the game?
Compare with
reizen vs versuchen
to try / taste
'versuchen' and 'reizen' can both have to do with temptation. In this meaning, 'versuchen' means that something or someone lures a person toward something, often something unwise or morally wrong. But it sounds elevated and is not very common in everyday language. 'reizen' is used much more naturally when something seems interesting, attractive, or tempting. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a kind of attraction. In practice: if you want to say that something sounds interesting, 'reizen' usually fits. 'versuchen' in this sense belongs more in elevated or literary language.
reizen
Ein Wochenende am Meer reizt mich mehr als ein voller Tag in der Stadt.
A weekend by the sea appeals to me more than a full day in the city.
versuchen
Das schnelle Geld versuchte ihn, obwohl er wusste, dass der Plan riskant war.
The quick money tempted him, even though he knew the plan was risky.
In real life
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