Riechender

Riechender is a German term that derives from the verb riechen, meaning to smell. In standard usage, riechender functions primarily as an attributive adjective meaning “smelling” or “olfactory,” and it can describe something with a scent or odor.

Morphology and grammar. Riechen forms a present participle riechend; when placed before a masculine singular noun in the nominative or accusative case, the form changes to riechender (for example, ein riechender Duft or ein riechender Rauch). The feminine and neuter forms are riechende and riechendes, with plural forms riechende regardless of gender in common usage. The participle can also be used in a more literary or technical sense to emphasize the act of smelling, rather than the object being smelled.

Usage and nuance. In everyday language, riechender describes things that have a noticeable odor or aroma, particularly in a strong or evident way. It is common to encounter phrases such as riechender Rauch (smelling smoke) or riechender Duft (aromatic scent). In many contexts riechender is interchangeable with riechend, though riechend is more often used as a general adverbial or predicate form (sie riecht riechend). The attributive riechender is most typical when the emphasis is on the odor as a characteristic of the noun it modifies.

Nominalization and literary use. While primarily an adjective, the participle can be nominalized in literary or poetic styles as der Riechende to denote a person associated with smelling or olfactory ability. This usage is rare and largely stylistic rather than common in everyday German.

See also. riechen, riechend, Duft, Geruch.