queue / snake
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queue / line
A row of waiting people or vehicles, for example in front of a checkout, a counter, or a traffic light.
Wir mussten an der Supermarktkasse in einer langen Schlange stehen.
We had to stand in a long line at the supermarket checkout.
Although it is the same word, the context makes the meaning clear. If it is about waiting, checkouts, or traffic, it means a line of people or vehicles. If it is about animals, nature, or a zoo, it means the reptile.
Vor dem neuen Eiscafé bildet sich jeden Tag eine lange Schlange.
A long line forms every day in front of the new ice cream shop.
When you are waiting in a row of people, you use the fixed expression 'Schlange stehen' or 'in der Schlange stehen' (to stand in line / queue). The verb here is 'stehen' (to stand).
Wir mussten über eine Stunde vor dem Konzert anstehen.
We had to queue for over an hour before the concert.
The figurative meaning for a deceitful person is almost always used as the fixed expression 'eine falsche Schlange' (a false snake / a deceitful person). It is a strong insult.
Pass auf, was du ihm erzählst, er ist eine falsche Schlange.
Be careful what you tell him; he is a false snake.
row / series
'die Reihe' and 'die Schlange' can both refer to people or vehicles standing one behind another. 'Schlange' is used especially when everyone is waiting, for example at the checkout, in front of a counter, or in a traffic jam. 'Reihe' is more general: people or things can also simply be arranged next to one another or one behind another. In a waiting situation, people often say 'in der Schlange stehen' (to stand in line) and 'an der Reihe sein' (to be one's turn). The risk of confusion comes from the fact that a 'Schlange' is a special kind of 'Reihe'.
Vor dem Schalter am Bahnhof wird heute eine lange Schlange stehen.
There will be a long line in front of the counter at the train station today.
Beim Termin ist Ali morgen erst nach drei anderen Personen an der Reihe.
At the appointment, Ali's turn tomorrow will only come after three other people.