der  Reis

A1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ʁaɪ̯s/

🍚 What exactly does "der Reis" mean?

The German word der Reis refers to the grains of the rice plant, used as a staple food in many parts of the world. It refers to both the raw grains and the cooked dish.

Examples:

• Raw rice: "Ich muss noch Reis kaufen." (I still need to buy rice.)
• Cooked rice: "Zum Hühnchen gibt es heute Reis." (There's rice with the chicken today.)

⚠️ Important Note: There is also the word "das Reis" (plural: die Reiser), which means a thin twig or sprout. However, this word has a different article and meaning and is not covered here.

The Grammar of "der Reis" 🧐

Der Reis is a masculine noun. It is mostly used in the singular as an uncountable noun.

Declension (Singular)

Here's how you decline (change the form of) "der Reis" in the singular:

Plural Form

The plural "die Reise" is very rare and mainly used to refer to different varieties of rice (e.g., "verschiedene wilde Reise" - various wild rices). In everyday use, people usually talk about "Reissorten" (types of rice) or use the singular form even for quantities (e.g., "zwei Kilo Reis" - two kilos of rice).

Example Sentences

1. Der Reis ist fast fertig gekocht. (The rice is almost cooked.) - Nominative
2. Der Geschmack des Reises hängt von der Sorte ab. (The taste of the rice depends on the variety.) - Genitive
3. Ich füge dem Reis noch etwas Salz hinzu. (I'm adding some salt to the rice.) - Dative
4. Wir brauchen noch Reis für das Abendessen. (We still need rice for dinner.) - Accusative

Everyday Use: How to use "Reis" correctly 🥣

Der Reis is primarily used in the context of food and cooking. It's an ingredient, a side dish, or the main component of a meal.

• As an ingredient/side dish: "Heute gibt es Fisch mit Reis und Gemüse." (Today we're having fish with rice and vegetables.)
• When shopping: "Vergiss nicht, eine Packung Reis mitzubringen." (Don't forget to bring a packet of rice.)
• In agriculture: "Der Anbau von Reis benötigt viel Wasser." (The cultivation of rice requires a lot of water.)
• Typical combinations: Reis kochen (to cook rice), Reis essen (to eat rice), Reisfeld (rice field), Reiskorn (grain of rice), Milchreis (rice pudding), Basmatireis (Basmati rice).

"Reis" is rarely used figuratively.

💡 Mnemonics for "der Reis"

Article Mnemonic:

Imagine a strong man (masculine, like 'der') carrying a heavy sack of Reis. Der strong guy needs his Reis for energy!

Meaning Mnemonic:

Reis sounds a bit like 'rise'. Imagine steam 'rising' from freshly cooked rice. 🍚💨

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Synonyms (Similar meaning):

• Korn (das): A general term for grain, can include rice (e.g., "ein Reiskorn" - a grain of rice).
• Getreide (das): The general term for cereals/grains like wheat, rye, barley, oats, and also rice.

Note: There isn't a perfect single-word synonym for "Reis" as the specific food item.

Antonyms (Opposites):

Direct antonyms don't really exist. Depending on the context, you could contrast it with other staple foods:

• Nudeln (die, Plural) / Pasta (die): A common alternative side dish.
• Kartoffeln (die, Plural): Another key staple food in Germany.
• Brot (das): Also a grain-based staple, but processed differently.

⚠️ Potential for Confusion:

• das Reis: As mentioned above, this means "twig" or "sprout". Note the different article ('das')!
• die Reise: This means "journey" or "trip". It sounds similar to the plural of "das Reis" (Reiser) and identical to the rare plural of "der Reis" (Reise), but has a completely different meaning.

😂 A Little Rice Joke

German: Warum hat der Reis die Party verlassen? Er fand die Stimmung zu trocken!

English: Why did the rice leave the party? He found the atmosphere too dry! (Pun: 'trocken' means dry, can also mean boring/stale atmosphere)

📜 Poem about Rice

German:
Der Reis, so klein, ein weißes Korn,
wird auf den Feldern angebaut, früh am Morn'.
Mit Wasser viel, in Sonne satt,
macht er uns alle täglich satt.
Ob süß, ob salzig, mild, ob scharf,
der Reis auf Tellern – kein Bedarf
an Klagen, denn er schmeckt uns gut,
gibt Energie und neuen Mut.

English Translation:
The rice, so small, a grain of white,
Is grown in fields, from morning light.
With water much, in sun content,
It fills us daily, heaven-sent.
Be it sweet or salty, mild or sharp,
The rice on plates – no need to harp
On hunger, for it tastes so good,
Gives energy and lifts the mood.

❓ Little Riddle

German:
Ich bin ein Korn, doch nicht im Brot,
komm oft aus Asien, lind're Hungersnot.
Mal klebrig, mal locker, mal ganz rund,
als Beilage tu ich mich kund.
Ich brauche Wasser, um zu sein,
mein Artikel ist männlich, kurz und klein.

Was bin ich? ... Der Reis

English Translation:
I am a grain, but not in bread,
Often from Asia, hunger I've fled.
Sometimes sticky, loose, or round,
As a side dish, I am found.
I need water just to be,
My article is masculine ('der'), you see.

What am I?
... Rice (der Reis)

🌐 Interesting Facts about "Reis"

• Origin: The German word "Reis" likely came via Old French 'ris' and Italian 'riso' from the Latin 'oryza', which in turn comes from the Greek 'óryza' (ὄρυζα). The ultimate origin is probably in an Oriental language.
• Variety: There are over 100,000 different varieties of rice worldwide, differing in shape, color, taste, and cooking properties (e.g., Basmati, Jasmine, Arborio, Sushi rice).
• Cultural Significance: In many Asian cultures, rice (Reis) is more than just food; it is deeply rooted in traditions, festivals, and even language.