die  Reling

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʁeːlɪŋ/

🚢 What exactly is a Reling?

The German word die Reling (feminine) refers to a railing that serves as fall protection. You typically find it:

• On board ships, boats, or yachts (along the deck)
• On balconies or terraces
• On bridges or viewing platforms

It usually consists of bars or wires stretched between vertical supports (Relingstützen). Its main function is safety and preventing falls.

⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse it with the very similar-sounding word "Rehling" (a young deer).

🧐 Grammar: Declining die Reling

The word "Reling" is a feminine noun. The article is "die".

Note: The plural form "Relinge" is more common, but "Relings" also occurs.

Example Sentences

• Die Reling glänzte in der Sonne. (The railing gleamed in the sun.)
• Er lehnte sich entspannt an die Reling des Schiffes. (He leaned relaxedly against the ship's railing.)
• Die Kinder durften nicht über die Reling klettern. (The children were not allowed to climb over the railing.)
• Wir befestigten die Flagge an der Reling. (We attached the flag to the railing.)
• Die Relinge der alten Brücke müssen erneuert werden. (The railings of the old bridge need to be replaced.)

💡 Everyday Use: Where do we encounter die Reling?

The term Reling is primarily used in a maritime context (shipping, sailing). People speak of the Schiffsreling (ship's railing) or Bootsreling (boat's railing).

However, it is also used in architecture and construction for railings on balconies, terraces, or bridges, although the more general word "Geländer" (railing, banister) is often preferred here.

Typical verbs used with "Reling" are:

• sich anlehnen an (die Reling) (to lean against the railing)
• sich festhalten an (der Reling) (to hold onto the railing)
• befestigen an (der Reling) (to attach to the railing)
• blicken über (die Reling) (to look over the railing)

Compared to "Geländer", "Reling" sounds more specific and often more technical or nautical.

🧠 Mnemonics for die Reling

How to remember the article and meaning?

Article Mnemonic: Imagine a queen (feminine => die) elegantly leaning on the Reling. While the ending '-ing' isn't a standard feminine marker like '-ung' or '-heit', you can associate die Reling with other feminine boundary words like die Mauer (the wall) or die Grenze (the border). Or think: The railing provides safety => die Sicherheit.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word sounds a bit like the English word "railing", which is exactly what it means! You can also think of it sounding like "ring" – imagine a protective ring around the edge of a ship's deck or balcony.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Potential Confusion

• Rehling: A young deer (das Reh). Sounds similar, but has a completely different meaning and gender (das Rehling).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Kapitän den neuen Matrosen: "Können Sie die Reling streichen?"
Sagt der Matrose: "Klar, Käpt'n! Aber soll ich sie vorher aus dem Logbuch streichen?"

(The captain asks the new sailor: "Can you paint the railing?" ("streichen" means both "to paint" and "to strike/delete").
The sailor replies: "Sure, Cap! But should I strike it from the logbook first?")

📜 Poem by the Sea

Am Bug die Reling, kühl und blank,
Der Seemann lehnt, sein Blick geht lang.
Übers weite Meer, zum Horizont,
Wo Wind und Welle Antwort prompt.
Sie schützt vor Gischt und Sturmesmacht,
Hält sicher Wache Tag und Nacht.

(At the bow the railing, cool and bright,
The sailor leans, his gaze takes flight.
Across the wide sea, to the horizon's line,
Where wind and wave promptly combine.
It guards from spray and storm's fierce might,
Keeps safe watch through day and night.)

❓ Who am I? A Riddle

Ich steh am Rand, halt Wache hier,
Auf Schiff und Brücke, glaube mir.
Ich schütze dich vor dem Hinab,
Bin oft aus Stahl, mal knapp, mal Klab.
Man lehnt sich an mich, schaut ins Weite,
Ich bin des Decks sichere Seite.

Wer bin ich?
... Die Reling

(I stand at the edge, keep watch right here,
On ship and bridge, believe me, dear.
I protect you from the fall below,
Often made of steel, sometimes so-so.
People lean on me, gaze afar,
I am the deck's safe guiding star.

Who am I?
... The Reling (railing))

✨ Further Information

Word Origin (Etymology): The word "Reling" likely comes from Middle Low German or Dutch "regeling" or "reling", referring to a series of bars or strips, possibly related to "Riegel" (bolt, bar).

Materials: Railings today are mostly made of stainless steel, aluminum, or galvanized steel, less commonly from wood or plastic. Modern yachts also use wire railings (Seil-Relinge).