reichliche

Reichliche is a German attributive adjective meaning ample or abundant. It is used before a noun to indicate there is a large quantity or degree of whatever is described. The adverb reichlich, by contrast, modifies verbs or clauses and expresses the same sense without inflecting a noun. For example: Es gab reichlich Belege (there were ample/copious pieces of evidence).

Grammar and usage notes: Reichliche declines like a regular adjective. Examples include: der reichliche Beleg (masc singular), die reichliche Belege is incorrect; correct plural is die reichlichen Belege. For feminine singular nouns: eine reichliche Portion; for neuter singular with a definite article: das reichliche Beispiel. In plural, after definite articles: die reichlichen Beispiele. Without a determiner or in stronger emphasis, forms such as reichliche Belege or reichliche Nahrung are common. The term is widely used in journalism, academic writing, and formal prose to convey sufficiency or abundance.

Etymology and context: Reichliche derives from reich, meaning rich or abundant, with the suffix -lich forming an adjective indicating a characteristic. It is attested in early modern German and remains a standard, neutral word in contemporary usage. It is often preferred in neutral or formal contexts over more informal synonyms, and is commonly paired with nouns describing quantities, evidence, resources, time, or material.

See also: abundant, ample, sufficient, in Hülle und Fülle (idiom). In English translations, reichliche is typically rendered as “ample,” “abundant,” or “plentiful,” depending on context.