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
reizen
to provoke
To deliberately provoke, annoy, or challenge a person or animal.
EXAMPLE
Hör auf, deinen kleinen Bruder zu reizen, sonst fängt er gleich an zu weinen.
Stop provoking your little brother, or he'll start crying any second.
reizen
to irritate
To cause a physical reaction such as inflammation or irritation.
EXAMPLE
Das Chlor im Schwimmbad reizt meine Augen.
The chlorine in the swimming pool irritates my eyes.
reizen
to bid
In certain card games (e.g., Skat), to make a bid in order to increase the game value and be allowed to declare the game.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe bis 20 gereizt und dann das Spiel bekommen.
I bid up to 20 and then got the game.
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 gefallen
to please / to fall
A travel destination can „gefallen“ someone or „reizen“ them. „Gefallen“ expresses a positive assessment, often based on one’s own impression. „Reizen“, on the other hand, emphasizes the interest or motivation to get to know the place.
reizen
Vor meiner ersten Reise reizt mich die Insel wegen ihrer ruhigen Strände.
Before my first trip, the island appeals to me because of its quiet beaches.
gefallen
Nach meinem ersten Besuch gefällt mir die Insel sehr.
I really like the island after my first visit.
In real life
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