reiche

Reiche is a term in the German language with several related meanings and uses. It can function as an adjective, a noun in its own right, or as a surname. The root form is reich, meaning rich, wealthy, or abundant, and it can also refer to realm or empire in historical contexts.

Etymology and senses: Reich derives from Proto-Germanic *rīkaz meaning “powerful,” cognate with English rich and Dutch rijk. The noun das Reich means a realm or empire, and the plural Reiche denotes multiple realms. The noun form also yields idiomatic phrases tied to sovereignty and territory.

Adjective usage: As an adjective, reich describes wealth, abundance, or prosperity. The inflected form reiche appears in various contexts after definite or indefinite articles, with gender and number affecting the ending: die reiche Frau (the rich woman), ein reicher Mann (a wealthy man), eine reiche Ernte (a rich harvest). In plural usage, reiche can appear as reich in some phrases, depending on syntax and determiner.

Noun usage: In noun form, Reiche can refer to the plural of Reich (empires) or, in a noun phrase, die Reichen meaning “the rich” (the wealthy people). The capitalization distinguishes it as a noun.

Name usage: Reiche is also a German surname and may occur in toponyms or as part of personal names. It is found in Germany and other German-speaking areas, and bearers of the name may appear in historical and contemporary contexts.

See also: Reich, rich, Reiche (surname).