das Schilf
reed
A tall, grass-like plant with long, thin stalks that typically grows in or near bodies of water such as lakes and ponds.
EXAMPLE
Am Ufer des Sees wächst dichtes Schilf.
Dense reeds grow on the shore of the lake.
das Schilf
reed
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Meanings
Usage tips
Use as a collective noun
'Schilf' (reed/reeds) is usually used as a collective term for a whole area of these plants, not for a single stalk. People therefore often speak of 'dem Schilf' (the reeds) as an area.
EXAMPLE
Die Vögel bauen ihre Nester tief im Schilf.
The birds build their nests deep in the reeds.
Typical collocations
Common adjectives used with Schilf are 'dicht' (dense) or 'hoch' (tall). A typical sound is the 'Rascheln' (rustling) of the reeds in the wind.
EXAMPLE
Wir hörten nur das leise Rascheln des Schilfs am Ufer.
We heard only the soft rustling of the reeds on the shore.
Typical context
The word 'Schilf' (reed/reeds) is almost always found in contexts related to nature and water. Typical places are lakeshores, ponds, or wetlands.
EXAMPLE
Unser Boot blieb im dichten Schilf am Rande des Sees stecken.
Our boat got stuck in the dense reeds at the edge of the lake.
Compare with
Schilf vs Rohr
pipe / tube
Schilf refers to the tall, grass-like plant that grows near water. In this context, Rohr refers more specifically to one of its individual hollow stalks. Schilf is therefore the right choice for the plants growing around a lake; when referring specifically to a cut, hollow stalk, Rohr is appropriate.
Schilf
Am Ufer des Sees wächst dichtes Schilf.
Dense reeds grow along the shore of the lake.
Rohr
Das Kind schneidet ein hohles Rohr aus dem Schilf ab.
The child cuts a hollow reed stalk from the reeds.
In real life
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