charming / irritating
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charming
Very charming, delightful, or lovable. Used to describe people, their behavior, or also things in a positive way.
Sie war eine reizende Gastgeberin und hat sich wunderbar um alle gekümmert.
She was a charming hostess and took wonderful care of everyone.
'Reizend' is the present participle of the verb 'reizen'. This verb has two main meanings: to attract or fascinate someone (which leads to 'charming') and to irritate something or someone (which leads to 'irritating').
Lass dich nicht von seinem Lächeln reizen, er ist nicht ehrlich.
Don't let his smile tempt you; he isn't honest.
You can recognize the meaning from the context. If 'reizend' refers to people, their smile, or their behavior, it means 'charming' (positive). If it refers to smoke, chemicals, or dust, it means 'irritating' to the body (neutral/negative).
Deine Tochter hat ein wirklich reizendes Lachen.
Your daughter has a truly charming laugh.
In the meaning of 'charming' or 'delightful', 'reizend' is often used in a polite, sometimes slightly formal or traditional style. It expresses friendly and positive appreciation.
Das war ein reizender Abend, vielen Dank für die Einladung.
That was a charming evening; thank you very much for the invitation.
The meaning 'irritating' is typical of medical, biological, or chemical contexts. For example, people speak of a 'reizende Substanz' (irritating substance) or a 'reizende Wirkung' (irritating effect) on the skin or the respiratory tract.
Die Creme hat eine reizende Wirkung auf empfindliche Haut.
The cream has an irritating effect on sensitive skin.
nice
'nett' and 'reizend' can both describe people, behavior, or things positively. 'nett' is more neutral and more everyday: it means friendly, pleasant, or pretty in a simple way. 'reizend' is stronger and often sounds more charming or enthusiastic, sometimes also a little more elevated. Learners may confuse the words because both express sympathy or liking. As a practical rule: for normal friendliness, 'nett' usually fits. When something seems especially charming, sweet, or delightful, 'reizend' is more precise.
Das Kind bedankte sich so höflich, dass die Verkäuferin es reizend fand.
The child thanked her so politely that the saleswoman found him charming.
Der Kellner im Restaurant war nett und hat uns schnell geholfen.
The waiter in the restaurant was nice and helped us quickly.