Reibe

Reibe is a term with multiple uses in German-speaking contexts. Most commonly, it is the noun for a kitchen grater or rasp, used to grate cheese, vegetables, or citrus zest. The word comes from the verb reiben, meaning to rub or scrape, and figures in compounds such as Küchereibe, Käsereibe, and Zitrusreibe, which denote graters tailored to different tasks.

Reibe also appears as a surname in German-speaking areas. As a family name, it can be encountered in historical and contemporary records, often without implying a specific occupational origin in modern contexts.

In addition to linguistic uses, Reibe may appear as a place name or in brand names, though such instances are less common and not universally standardized; when encountered, they are usually related to persons, localities, or products named after the root word reiben.

The term's meaning in everyday German centers on the tool used for rubbing or scraping foods, and its use as a surname reflects typical Germanic naming practices that link family names to common nouns or occupations.