Rheinisch

Rheinisch is a German adjective meaning "Rhenish" or "of the Rhine," used to describe things associated with the Rhine region in western Germany. The term covers geography (the Rhineland and surrounding Rhine towns), culture, cuisine, and historical identity; the Rhine valley has long served as a corridor of trade and cultural exchange, contributing to a distinct Rhineland character. In English usage it is often rendered as "Rhenish" or "Rhine-related."

In linguistics, Rheinisch denotes a broad group of West Central German dialects spoken in the Rhine region. It comprises subgroups such as Ripuarian dialects (including Kölsch, the Cologne dialect) and Moselle Franconian dialects. These form part of the Central German dialect continuum and exhibit features that distinguish Rhineland speech from other German varieties, though they vary from town to town.

Culturally, Rheinisch identifiers highlight a distinct Rhineland identity rooted in urban centers like Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Mainz, as well as rural areas along the river. This is reflected in traditions (such as the Rhineland Karneval), regional cuisine, architecture, and art. The term is also used in branding and tourism to evoke the historic and economic significance of the Rhine region.