01
der Rheinländer
Rhinelander
A resident of, or a person from, the Rhineland region.
example
Als gebürtiger Rheinländer ist er für seine fröhliche und offene Art bekannt.
As a native Rhinelander, he is known for his cheerful and open manner.
der Rheinländer
Rhinelander
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 03
Usage tips
Word derivation
The word is derived from the region 'Rheinland' (Rhineland). The ending '-er' is often used in German to refer to male residents of a city or region.
EXAMPLE
Ein Kölner ist auch ein Rheinländer.
Someone from Cologne is also a Rhinelander.
Context clue
The meaning becomes clear from the context. If it is about people, it means the resident. If it is about music and celebrations, it means the dance. In the context of animals and agriculture, it means the chicken breed.
EXAMPLE
Mein Nachbar ist ein echter Rheinländer und feiert gerne Karneval.
My neighbor is a real Rhinelander and likes celebrating Carnival.
Cultural context
A stereotype is often associated with 'Rheinländer' (Rhinelander): a cheerful, sociable, and open person. This is especially connected with the tradition of Carnival in the Rhineland.
EXAMPLE
Man sagt den Rheinländern nach, dass sie das Leben zu genießen wissen.
People say that Rhinelanders know how to enjoy life.
Typical verb
When referring to the dance, the fixed combination is 'einen Rheinländer tanzen' (to dance a Rhinelander dance). The verb 'tanzen' (to dance) is the key clue for this meaning.
EXAMPLE
Meine Großeltern können immer noch perfekt einen Rheinländer tanzen.
My grandparents can still dance a Rhinelander dance perfectly.
Compare with
Rheinländer vs Polka
polka
'Polka' and 'Rheinländer' can both refer to dances in 2/4 time. For that reason, they can easily be confused in texts about dance or folk music. 'die Polka' is a fast, lively couple dance and also the name for music in this rhythm. 'der Rheinländer' is a related couple dance that was especially important historically. If you generally mean a well-known fast dance or a piece of music, 'Polka' often fits. If this specific historical dance is meant, 'Rheinländer' is more precise.
Rheinländer
Im Tanzkurs üben die Teilnehmenden einen Rheinländer aus dem 19. Jahrhundert.
In the dance course, the participants practice a Rhinelander dance from the 19th century.
Polka
Auf dem Dorffest spielt die Kapelle eine Polka, und viele Paare tanzen mit.
At the village festival, the band plays a polka, and many couples join in dancing.
In real life
Loading video examples...