der  Reisende

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁaɪ̯zəndə/

🌍 What does "der Reisende" mean?

Der Reisende is a substantivized adjective (an adjective used as a noun) and refers to a male person who is undertaking a journey or is traveling. It derives from the verb reisen (to travel).

It's important to note the different forms:

• der Reisende: masculine singular form (ein Reisender - a male traveler)
• die Reisende: feminine singular form (eine Reisende - a female traveler)
• die Reisenden: plural form (for men, women, or mixed groups) (viele Reisende - many travelers)

The word generally describes someone moving from one place to another, often over a longer distance or for a specific period.

🚨 Attention: The word is declined like an adjective, even when used as a noun! See the grammar section.

📚 Grammar of "der Reisende" in Detail

"Der Reisende" is a substantivized adjective and thus follows adjective declension rules. The declension pattern depends on whether it is preceded by a definite article (der, die, das), an indefinite article (ein, eine), or no article.

Example Sentences

1. Der Reisende packte seinen Koffer für die lange Fahrt. (The male traveler packed his suitcase for the long journey.)
2. Das Gepäck des Reisenden wurde am Bahnhof gestohlen. (The male traveler's luggage was stolen at the station.)
3. Der Schaffner half dem Reisenden beim Einsteigen. (The conductor helped the male traveler board.)
4. Wir trafen den Reisenden zufällig im Zugabteil. (We met the male traveler by chance in the train compartment.)
5. Ein Reisender fragte nach dem Weg zum Bahnsteig. (A male traveler asked for the way to the platform.)
6. Die Reisenden warteten auf die Durchsage. (The travelers waited for the announcement.)

🗣️ How to use "der Reisende"?

"Der Reisende" is used to describe a male person who is on a journey. This can be in the context of holidays, business trips, commuting (although "Pendler" is more specific), or any other type of movement from one place to another.

• General travel: "Der Reisende stieg in den Zug nach Berlin." (The traveler boarded the train to Berlin.)
• Business travel: "Als Handelsvertreter ist er ein ständiger Reisender." (As a sales representative, he is a constant traveler.)
• In contrast to locals: "Die Bedürfnisse der Reisenden unterscheiden sich von denen der Anwohner." (The needs of the travelers differ from those of the residents.)

Distinction from similar terms:

• Tourist: Often refers specifically to holiday travel, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation (superficial). "Der Reisende" is more neutral and general.
• Passagier/Fahrgast: Refers specifically to someone using a mode of transport (train, plane, bus, ship). "Der Reisende" is the more general umbrella term.
• Pendler: Someone who regularly travels between home and work/school. A commuter (Pendler) is a type of traveler (Reisender), but not every traveler is a commuter.

The word is frequently found in official contexts (train stations, airports) and in literature.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

Remembering the article: Think of a man (DER Mann) who is going on a REISE (journey). DER Mann is DER Reisende.

Remembering the meaning: Someone who does a lot of reisen (traveling) is a Reisende(r). The word sounds just like the activity.

↔️ Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: Do not confuse with die Reise (the journey/trip itself, feminine noun).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Schaffner den Reisenden: "Ist dieser Platz noch frei?"
Antwortet der Reisende: "Ja, und wenn Sie sich setzen, ist meiner auch noch frei!" 😄

Translation:
The conductor asks the traveler: "Is this seat free?"
The traveler replies: "Yes, and if you sit down, mine will be free too!" 😄

📜 A Poem about the Traveler

Der Reisende zieht durch die Welt,
Mal Sonne scheint, mal Regen fällt.
Mit Koffer, Hut und leichtem Sinn,
Zieht er zu neuen Ufern hin.
Bahnhofslichter, fremde Stadt,
Ein Leben, das viel Wechsel hat.

Translation:
The traveler moves through the world,
Sometimes sun shines, sometimes rain is hurled.
With suitcase, hat, and a light heart,
He journeys to new shores, a fresh start.
Station lights, a foreign town,
A life where change is all around.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin oft unterwegs, doch hab kein festes Haus.
Mal fahr ich mit dem Zug, mal flieg ich weit hinaus.
Ich sehe fremde Länder, bin selten nur daheim.
Wenn ich ein Mann bin, wie nennt man mich – kurz und fein?

Translation:
I'm often on the move, but have no fixed house.
Sometimes I ride the train, sometimes I fly far out.
I see foreign countries, am rarely just at home.
If I am a man, what am I called – short and sweet?

Solution: der Reisende (the male traveler)

💡 Other Information about Reisende

Word Formation:

"Reisende" is the substantivized present participle (Partizip I) of the verb reisen (to travel). The participle itself is reisend (e.g., "der reisende Händler" - the traveling merchant). When used as a noun, it is capitalized and declined: der Reisende (m.), die Reisende (f.), die Reisenden (pl.).

Compounds:

There are some compound words, such as:

• Handelsreisender: A person who travels for business to sell goods (Traveling Salesman).
• Alleinreisender: Someone who travels alone (Solo traveler).