German word

reif

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁaɪ̯f/

Meaning

  • adjectiveripe

Example

Die Banane ist reif.

The banana is ripe.

Illustration for reif (ripe)

More examples

Sie wirkt reif für ihr Alter.

She seems mature for her age.

Core concept

A thing has reached its full stage of development, like a banana ready to eat or a person ready for a task.

Common phrases

  • reif am Baum

    ripe on the tree

  • emotional reif

    emotionally mature

Similar words

vollreif: Fully ripe and at the best stage for eating or harvesting.
überreif: Too ripe, becoming overly soft or starting to spoil.
gereift: Matured fully over time, as with wine, cheese, or an idea.
fertig: Finished and ready to use or serve.

Definition in German

Der Zustand, in dem etwas geerntet, benutzt oder gegessen werden kann; auch: ausreichend entwickelt oder vorbereitet.

Word origin

Reif comes from Old High German rîf and is related to English ripe and Dutch rijp through a common Germanic origin.

Usage tips

  • With reif für plus the accusative, the phrase means ready or mature enough for something, as in reif für den Markt.

Other meanings

  • matureadjective
  • readyadjective

Opposites

  • unreifimmatureadjective

Related words

  • Reifematuritynoun
  • gereiftmatureadjective

Word lists with this word