strap / belt / oar
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strap / belt
A long, narrow strip made of leather or another sturdy material, used for fastening, holding, or as a drive component, for example a V-belt.
Der Riemen seiner Ledertasche ist nach vielen Jahren gerissen.
The strap of his leather bag tore after many years.
The idiom 'sich am Riemen reißen' (to pull yourself together) is a fixed unit. It is reflexive, with 'sich' (oneself), and always uses the preposition 'an' with the dative. The expression is colloquial for 'sich zusammennehmen' (to pull oneself together).
Reiß dich am Riemen, die Präsentation beginnt in fünf Minuten!
Pull yourself together, the presentation starts in five minutes!
The three main meanings are clearly separated by context. A 'Riemen' can be a strap on clothing or bags, an oar on a boat, or part of the fixed expression for self-discipline.
Der Riemen an meinem neuen Gürtel ist aus echtem Leder.
The strap on my new belt is made of genuine leather.
In this meaning, 'Riemen' (strap/belt) is often combined with a material, e.g. 'Lederriemen' (leather strap), or a function, e.g. 'Antriebsriemen' (drive belt), 'Keilriemen' (V-belt). A typical verb is 'reißen' (to tear).
In der Werkstatt muss der Keilriemen des Motors ausgetauscht werden.
In the workshop, the engine's V-belt has to be replaced.
This meaning of 'Riemen' as a long oar is specific to the context of boats, especially rowing. Typical verbs are 'rudern' (to row) or 'ins Wasser tauchen' (to dip into the water).
Die Athleten bewegten die Riemen in perfekter Synchronität.
The athletes moved the oars in perfect synchrony.
ribbon / band
'das Band' and 'der Riemen' both refer to something long and narrow that can hold or fasten something. 'Band' is more general and can be soft, decorative, or light, for example a 'Stoffband' (fabric ribbon). 'Riemen' sounds sturdier and more practical; it is often made of leather or strong material and belongs, for example, to a bag, a belt, or a machine. Learners may confuse the words because a 'Riemen' looks like a kind of 'Band'. When it is about decoration, packaging, or a light material, you are more likely to say 'Band'. When something is meant to carry, pull, or hold something in place, 'Riemen' is often a better fit.
Der Riemen meiner Tasche ist gerissen, deshalb trage ich sie in der Hand.
The strap of my bag has torn, so I’m carrying it in my hand.
Für die Feier trägt Emma ein blaues Band im Haar.
Emma is wearing a blue ribbon in her hair for the party.