German word

reichen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈʁaɪ̯çən/

Meaning

  • verbbe enough

Example

Das reicht.

That's enough.

Illustration for reichen (be enough)

More examples

Das Benzin reicht nur für kurze Strecken.

The gasoline is only enough for short distances.

Core concept

A supply or object extends from a source until it meets a target, need, distance, or person's hand.

Common phrases

  • für etwas reichen

    be enough for ___

  • für zwei Personen reichen

    be enough for two people

  • nicht reichen

    not be enough

Similar words

ausreichen: Be sufficient in amount or extent to achieve a purpose.
genügen: Meet the required standard and be considered sufficient.

Definition in German

Genug sein; für einen Zweck ausreichen.

Word origin

German reichen belongs to the same inherited Germanic word family as English reach, with meanings centered on extension toward a target.

Usage tips

  • With a dative recipient, jemandem etwas reichen means to hand something to someone, a separate common sense from sufficiency.

Other meanings

  • hand oververb
  • reachverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word