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.
snake
A reptile with a long, legless body that moves by crawling or slithering.
Beim Wandern im Gebirge sahen wir eine Schlange auf dem Weg.
While hiking in the mountains, we saw a snake on the path.
snake
In a figurative sense, a derogatory term for a deceitful, false person.
Ich habe ihr vertraut, aber sie war eine falsche Schlange.
I trusted her, but she was a false snake.
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
Reihe generally describes people standing in a straight line. Schlange (queue) typically refers to people waiting in this arrangement to be served or admitted one after another. Reihe fits when there is no waiting situation; Schlange is used when people are queuing.
Vor dem Ticketschalter stellen sich die Schüler in einer Schlange an.
The students queued up in front of the ticket counter.
Für das Gruppenfoto stellen sich die Schüler in einer Reihe auf.
The students lined up in a row for the group photo.
