Rheinische

Rheinische is the feminine form of the German adjective Rheinisch, meaning "of the Rhine" or "Rhine-related." In German-language usage, Rheinische describes things connected to the Rhine region, also known as the Rhineland, including its geography, culture, language, and history.

The Rhineland is a historically fluid cultural area along the Rhine River in Western Germany. It roughly corresponds to parts of the states of North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate, extending into adjacent regions. The term reflects a regional identity shaped by urban centers such as Cologne, Düsseldorf, Bonn, Koblenz, Mainz, and Trier, as well as by the Rhine's role in commerce and transport.

Rheinische culture encompasses distinctive dialects, cuisine, and traditions. Linguistically, Rheinische Dialekte group together western German dialects in the region, including Ripuarian and Moselle Franconian varieties. Culturally, Rheinische cuisine, folklore, and festival traditions (for example Cologne Carnival) are associated with the Rhineland. The region is also known for wine production along the Rhine and for beer traditions in cities such as Düsseldorf and Cologne.

In academic and media usage, Rheinische is used descriptively or as part of the name of regional institutions and publications. It is not an official administrative term but serves as a conventional label for things tied to the Rhine region and its cultural space.