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B2 adjective #6,000 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

reinlich

Top 6,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces reinlich en 30 secondes

Explication reinlich in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic adjectives to describe people and things. You might know 'sauber' (clean) and 'schmutzig' (dirty). 'Reinlich' is a bit more advanced because it describes a person's habits rather than just a moment in time. Think of it as 'always clean'. You can use it to describe a pet, like a cat, or a person who likes to wash their hands often. For an A1 learner, the most important thing is to remember that 'reinlich' is used for people and animals, not usually for objects like a table or a car. You can say 'Die Katze ist reinlich' or 'Meine Mutter ist reinlich'. It is a positive word that shows someone takes care of themselves. Just remember the basic endings: 'ein reinlicher Mann' and 'eine reinliche Frau'.

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At the A2 level, you can begin to use 'reinlich' to describe household habits and personal hygiene in more detail. You are learning to talk about your daily routine and your living situation. If you are looking for a roommate, you might say 'Ich bin ein reinlicher Mensch' to show that you will keep the apartment clean. This is a very useful word for social interactions. You can also start using the comparative form 'reinlicher'. For example, 'Mein Bruder ist reinlicher als ich'. This helps you make comparisons between people's habits. At this level, you should also notice that 'reinlich' is related to 'Reinigung' (cleaning). While 'Reinigung' is the act of cleaning, 'reinlich' is the personality trait of someone who likes to keep things clean. It's a key part of describing someone's character in a simple way.

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By B1, you should understand the nuance between 'sauber' and 'reinlich' clearly. You are now able to express opinions and describe complex personality traits. 'Reinlich' is an excellent word to use when discussing health, upbringing, or living standards. You might encounter it in texts about child development or animal behavior. You should also be comfortable with its use in different cases, such as the dative: 'In einer reinlichen Umgebung fühle ich mich wohl' (I feel comfortable in a cleanly environment). At this level, you can also start using the noun 'Reinlichkeit'. For example, 'Reinlichkeit ist in einem Krankenhaus sehr wichtig'. You are moving beyond simple descriptions and starting to talk about abstract concepts like hygiene standards and cultural expectations of cleanliness.

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At the B2 level, 'reinlich' is a word you should be able to use with precision. You understand that it carries a certain weight of discipline and social respectability. You can use it in more formal contexts, such as describing professional standards in a kitchen or a laboratory. You also start to see its figurative uses, like 'eine reinliche Scheidung' (a clean break/separation), although these are less common. You should be able to distinguish 'reinlich' from 'gepflegt' (well-groomed) and 'ordentlich' (tidy). For a B2 learner, 'reinlich' is about the systematic avoidance of dirt and the maintenance of hygiene. You might use it in a debate about environmental protection or public health. Your vocabulary is now sophisticated enough to choose 'reinlich' specifically when you want to praise someone's hygienic habits rather than just their organizational skills.

At the C1 level, you explore the stylistic and historical nuances of 'reinlich'. You recognize that the word can sometimes sound slightly old-fashioned or traditional, evoking 19th-century virtues. You can use it to add color to your descriptions of characters in literature or to analyze social norms in German-speaking countries. You understand the subtle differences between 'reinlich', 'hygienisch', and 'steril', and you can explain why one is more appropriate than the others in a given context. You might also use the word in academic or sociological discussions about the 'Zivilisationsprozess' (process of civilization) and how standards of 'Reinlichkeit' have evolved over time. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are aware of its cultural baggage and its ability to signal a certain social milieu.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'reinlich' and its various connotations. You can use it with irony or to make very fine distinctions in high-level discourse. You might use it in a legal context to describe the 'reinliche Trennung' of assets or in a philosophical discussion about purity and hygiene. You are aware of its etymological roots and how it relates to other words in the 'rein' family, such as 'reinigen', 'Reinheit', and 'Reinigung'. You can effortlessly switch between the literal sense of personal hygiene and the more abstract or formal uses of the word. For a C2 speaker, 'reinlich' is just one tool in a massive toolkit of adjectives, and you know exactly when its specific 'flavor' of cleanliness is required to convey the perfect meaning in a literary, professional, or academic setting.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

reinlich en 30 secondes

Describes a person's or animal's habit of being clean and hygienic.
Different from 'sauber' (clean state) as it refers to character/habit.
Commonly used for pets (cats) and in household or professional hygiene contexts.
Carries a positive connotation of discipline, organization, and self-respect.

The German adjective reinlich occupies a specific niche in the vocabulary of hygiene and order. While English speakers might simply say 'clean' or 'tidy,' German makes a subtle but important distinction between the state of an object and the habit of a person or animal. If a room is free of dust, it is sauber. However, if a person consistently maintains high standards of personal hygiene and keeps their surroundings spotless as a matter of character, they are reinlich. This word leans more towards 'cleanly' in an old-fashioned, virtuous sense. It describes the innate or disciplined tendency to avoid dirt and maintain purity. In modern German, you will frequently encounter it when discussing domestic habits, childcare, or the behavior of pets, particularly cats, who are famously reinliche Tiere.

Habitual Cleanliness: Refers to a person's constant state of being clean and organized. It is a character trait rather than a temporary condition.
Biological Instinct: Used to describe animals that groom themselves or keep their nesting areas free of waste, such as cats or certain rodents.
Environmental Standards: Describes a workspace or living area that is kept meticulously according to hygiene protocols, often used in medical or culinary contexts.

Meine Großmutter war eine sehr reinliche Frau, die jeden Morgen das ganze Haus lüftete.

To understand reinlich, one must look at its root: rein (pure). While sauber is more functional (the absence of dirt), reinlich carries a moral or aesthetic weight. It implies a certain level of discipline and respect for one's environment. In a professional context, a reinliche Arbeitsweise (a cleanly way of working) is highly valued in laboratories or kitchens where contamination must be avoided at all costs. It is not just about the final result, but about the process of maintaining cleanliness throughout the day.

Katzen gelten als besonders reinlich, da sie viele Stunden am Tag mit der Fellpflege verbringen.

Historically, the term was often used in pedagogical texts to encourage children to wash their hands and keep their clothes tidy. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, being reinlich was considered a core bourgeois virtue, linked to health and social standing. Today, while the moralistic tone has faded, the word remains the standard for describing someone who is naturally tidy and hygienic. It is also the basis for the word Reinlichkeit (cleanliness/tidiness), which is a common noun in household and health discussions.

In dieser WG wird viel Wert auf eine reinliche Küche gelegt.

Ein reinlicher Umgang mit Lebensmitteln ist essenziell, um Krankheiten vorzubeugen.

Using reinlich correctly requires understanding its role as an adjective and an adverb, as well as its declension patterns. Because it describes a quality, it can be used predicatively (The cat is clean) or attributively (The clean cat). When used attributively, it must agree with the gender, number, and case of the noun it modifies. For example, in the nominative masculine, it would be ein reinlicher Mann, while in the feminine it is eine reinliche Frau. The neuter form is ein reinliches Kind.

Predicative Use: The adjective follows a verb like 'sein' (to be) or 'werden' (to become) and does not change its ending. Example: 'Er ist sehr reinlich.'
Attributive Use: The adjective comes before the noun and takes an ending. Example: 'Sie achtet auf eine reinliche Umgebung.'
Adverbial Use: It describes how an action is performed. Example: 'Die Wunde muss reinlich verbunden werden' (The wound must be bandaged cleanly/hygienically).

Der neue Mitbewohner scheint sehr reinlich zu sein, er wäscht sein Geschirr sofort ab.

One of the most frequent structures involves the comparative and superlative forms. If you want to say someone is cleaner than another, you use reinlicher. The superlative is am reinlichsten. For instance, 'Von allen meinen Haustieren ist die Katze am reinlichsten.' This highlights the degree of the trait. Note that in German, we often use reinlich in combination with words like äußerst (extremely), peinlich (painfully/meticulously), or überaus (exceedingly) to emphasize the intensity of the cleanliness.

Es ist wichtig, die Instrumente reinlich zu halten, um Infektionen zu vermeiden.

Furthermore, reinlich often appears in compound ideas or specific phrases related to household management. You might hear about reinliche Scheidung (a clean break/separation), though this is more figurative and less common than the literal hygiene usage. In legal or formal contexts, it can describe the separation of accounts or responsibilities. However, for a B2 learner, focusing on the literal sense of personal and environmental hygiene is the most practical approach. Remember that reinlich is an active state; it requires effort and consistency.

Trotz der einfachen Verhältnisse war ihre Kleidung immer tadellos reinlich.

Wir suchen eine reinliche Person für die Pflege unserer Praxisräume.

In the real world, reinlich is a word that bridges the gap between everyday conversation and professional standards. You will hear it in German households when parents are teaching children about hygiene. A phrase like 'Du musst lernen, reinlicher zu sein' (You must learn to be cleaner) is a common refrain. It’s also a staple in the world of pet ownership. If you go to a German animal shelter (Tierheim), the staff will often describe certain animals as sehr reinlich to indicate that they are house-trained or groom themselves well, which is a major selling point for potential adopters.

In the Home: Used to evaluate roommates or family members. 'Er ist ein reinlicher Mitbewohner' means he cleans up after himself and maintains hygiene.
Veterinary & Pet Care: Describing the nature of animals. Cats are the prototypical 'reinliche Tiere'.
Professional Hygiene: In hospitals, dental clinics, or kitchens where 'Reinlichkeit' is a technical requirement for safety.

Der Tierarzt sagte, dass Kaninchen von Natur aus sehr reinlich sind.

Another interesting place you encounter this word is in literature and older films. Because reinlich has a slightly traditional or even 'bourgeois' (bürgerlich) connotation, it is often used to characterize someone’s social status or upbringing. A character described as reinlich is usually seen as disciplined, respectable, and perhaps a bit strict. In modern media, it might appear in documentaries about health and hygiene, or in lifestyle blogs that focus on minimalism and organized living. The 'Clean Girl' aesthetic or 'Minimalist' lifestyle in German-speaking social media often uses terms like reinlich and gepflegt to describe the desired look and environment.

In der Anzeige stand: 'Suche reinliche Hilfe für den Haushalt zweimal pro Woche.'

In a work context, especially in Germany, Switzerland, or Austria, where punctuality and order are often prioritized, being reinlich at your desk can be a non-verbal cue of your professionalism. If a colleague says, 'Du hast einen sehr reinlichen Arbeitsplatz,' they are complimenting your organization and lack of clutter. It suggests that your mind is as organized as your desk. Conversely, a lack of Reinlichkeit in common areas like the office kitchen can lead to significant friction, making this a key word for navigating social dynamics in German-speaking workplaces.

Es ist eine reinliche Freude, in einem so gut geführten Hotel zu übernachten.

Die Köche müssen auf eine reinliche Trennung von rohem Fleisch und Gemüse achten.

The most frequent mistake learners make with reinlich is using it as a direct synonym for sauber in every context. While they are related, they are not interchangeable. Sauber is the result (the plate is clean), while reinlich is the quality or the habit (the person is cleanly). You would never say 'Der Teller ist reinlich' because a plate doesn't have habits or a character. You would say 'Der Teller ist sauber.' Conversely, saying 'Er ist ein sauberer Mann' can sometimes imply he is honest or 'clean' in a legal sense, whereas 'Er ist ein reinlicher Mann' specifically targets his hygiene habits.

Reinlich vs. Sauber: 'Sauber' describes objects; 'reinlich' describes people, animals, or habitual actions. Don't call your car 'reinlich' unless you're personifying it.
Reinlich vs. Rein: 'Rein' means pure (chemically or spiritually). 'Reinlich' is about hygiene. You drink 'reines Wasser', not 'reinliches Wasser'.
Overusing it for 'Tidy': While 'reinlich' implies tidiness, 'ordentlich' is better if you just mean things are in the right place. 'Reinlich' focuses on the absence of dirt/germs.

Falsch: Das Fenster ist reinlich.
Richtig: Das Fenster ist sauber.

Another mistake is confusing reinlich with reinigend. Reinigend is the present participle of 'reinigen' (to clean) and acts as an adjective meaning 'cleansing.' For example, a 'reinigende Gesichtsmaske' is a cleansing face mask. If you called it a 'reinliche Gesichtsmaske,' you would be suggesting the mask itself has good hygiene habits, which makes no sense. Similarly, reinlich should not be confused with reinweg (purely/simply), which is an adverb used for emphasis in colloquial speech.

Falsch: Ich brauche eine reinliche Seife.
Richtig: Ich brauche eine reinigende Seife (oder eine milde Seife).

Lastly, be careful with the word stubenrein. While it falls under the umbrella of Reinlichkeit, it is specifically used for animals that don't soil the house. Some learners try to use reinlich for this, and while it's understood, stubenrein is the precise term. Also, remember that reinlich is a positive trait. If someone is too clean to the point of being annoying, Germans use pedantisch or the aforementioned Reinlichkeitsfimmel. Avoid using reinlich sarcastically unless the context is very clear, as it usually sounds like a sincere compliment.

Der Hund ist noch nicht stubenrein (nicht: reinlich), er ist erst acht Wochen alt.

Sie ist fast schon übertrieben reinlich, sie wischt jede Stunde Staub.

German has a rich vocabulary for cleanliness and order. Depending on what exactly you want to emphasize, you might choose a different word than reinlich. The most common alternative is sauber, which we have already discussed. However, if you want to focus on the aesthetic side of things—how neat and well-kept someone or something looks—you would use gepflegt. A gepflegtes Äußeres (a well-groomed appearance) is a very common phrase in job interviews and social settings. While reinlich is about the absence of dirt, gepflegt is about the presence of care and style.

Sauber: Focus: State of an object. 'Das Hemd ist sauber' (The shirt has no stains).
Ordentlich: Focus: Order and organization. 'Ein ordentlicher Schreibtisch' (An organized desk).
Hygienisch: Focus: Health and germs. Used in medical or scientific contexts. 'Hygienische Bedingungen'.
Pikobello: Focus: Colloquial perfection. 'Alles ist pikobello' (Everything is spotless/perfect).

Er legt großen Wert auf ein gepflegtes Erscheinungsbild.

If you are talking about someone who is very strict about order, akribisch (meticulous) or pingelig (fussy/picky) might be used. Pingelig often has a negative connotation, suggesting that the person is too concerned with small, unimportant details of cleanliness. On the other hand, besenrein is a very specific legal/real-estate term. When you move out of an apartment, you must leave it besenrein (swept clean), which means you don't have to deep-clean every corner, but the floors should be swept. This is a great example of how German has specialized words for different levels of 'clean'.

Die Wohnung muss bei der Übergabe besenrein sein.

Finally, consider steril and keimfrei. These are the highest levels of cleanliness, used in hospitals and laboratories. A steriler OP-Saal (sterile operating room) is much more than just reinlich. In everyday life, you might also hear blitzblank (sparkling clean), which is often used to describe windows, cars, or silverware that has been polished to a shine. Choosing the right word depends on whether you are describing a person's character, a legal requirement, a medical necessity, or just a shiny surface.

Nach dem Putzen war die ganze Küche wieder blitzblank.

Sei nicht so pingelig, ein bisschen Staub schadet niemandem!

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

In some older German dialects, 'reinlich' could also mean 'pretty' or 'neatly dressed', which shows how cleanliness was historically tied to social appearance.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈʁaɪ̯nlɪç/

US /ˈraɪnlɪç/

The stress is on the first syllable: REIN-lich.

Rime avec

peinlich scheinlich kleinlich weinerlich einheitlich vermeintlich bräunlich grünlich

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ch' like 'k' (reinlik).
Pronouncing 'ei' like 'ee' (reenlich).
Failing to pronounce the 'l' clearly.
Stress on the second syllable.
Using a hard 'sh' sound for 'ch' (reinlish).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts, but the distinction from 'sauber' requires attention.

Écriture 4/5

Requires correct adjective endings and understanding of context.

Expression orale 4/5

The 'ich-laut' (ch) can be tricky for English speakers.

Écoute 3/5

Clear pronunciation usually makes it easy to hear.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

rein sauber schmutzig waschen ordentlich

Apprends ensuite

Reinlichkeit hygienisch gepflegt stubenrein besenrein

Avancé

Akribie pedantisch steril keimfrei unantastbar

Grammaire à connaître

Adjective Endings (Weak/Strong/Mixed)

Ein reinlicher (Strong) Mann / Der reinliche (Weak) Mann.

Comparative and Superlative

reinlich, reinlicher, am reinlichsten.

Adverbial usage of adjectives

Sie arbeitet sehr reinlich.

Noun formation from adjectives with -keit

reinlich -> die Reinlichkeit.

Relative clauses following an adjective

Er ist reinlich, was mir sehr gefällt.

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Exemples par niveau

Die Katze ist sehr reinlich.

The cat is very cleanly.

Simple predicative use of the adjective.

Ich bin ein reinlicher Mensch.

I am a cleanly person.

Attributive use with a masculine noun in nominative.

Bist du reinlich?

Are you cleanly?

Question form using 'sein'.

Meine Mutter ist sehr reinlich.

My mother is very cleanly.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

Wir suchen eine reinliche Hilfe.

We are looking for a cleanly helper.

Accusative feminine ending '-e'.

Das Kind ist brav und reinlich.

The child is well-behaved and cleanly.

Two adjectives connected by 'und'.

Hunde sind oft nicht so reinlich wie Katzen.

Dogs are often not as cleanly as cats.

Comparison using 'nicht so... wie'.

Ein reinliches Haus ist schön.

A cleanly house is nice.

Attributive use with a neuter noun.

In der Küche muss man reinlich arbeiten.

In the kitchen, one must work cleanly.

Adverbial use describing the verb 'arbeiten'.

Mein Mitbewohner ist leider gar nicht reinlich.

My roommate is unfortunately not cleanly at all.

Negative 'gar nicht' with the adjective.

Waschen Sie sich immer reinlich die Hände.

Always wash your hands cleanly/thoroughly.

Imperative with adverbial 'reinlich'.

Sie ist reinlicher als ihr Bruder.

She is cleaner than her brother.

Comparative form 'reinlicher'.

Ein reinliches Kinderzimmer ist wichtig für die Gesundheit.

A cleanly nursery is important for health.

Attributive neuter in nominative.

Wir brauchen einen reinlichen Hund.

We need a cleanly dog.

Accusative masculine ending '-en'.

Warum ist Sauberkeit und Reinlich-sein so wichtig?

Why is being clean and cleanly so important?

Using 'reinlich' as part of a gerund-like phrase.

Er hält seine Kleidung immer reinlich.

He always keeps his clothes cleanly.

Using 'halten' with an adjective.

Reinlichkeit ist eine Tugend, die man früh lernen sollte.

Cleanliness is a virtue that one should learn early.

Noun form 'Reinlichkeit'.

Es ist schwer, mit jemandem zusammenzuleben, der nicht reinlich ist.

It is difficult to live with someone who is not cleanly.

Relative clause with 'der'.

Achten Sie auf eine reinliche Trennung der Abfälle.

Pay attention to a clean separation of waste.

Figurative but literal use in waste management.

Nach dem Gartenbesuch müssen die Pfoten reinlich gesäubert werden.

After visiting the garden, the paws must be cleaned cleanly/thoroughly.

Passive voice with adverbial 'reinlich'.

In diesem Hotel wird sehr auf eine reinliche Atmosphäre geachtet.

In this hotel, much attention is paid to a cleanly atmosphere.

Passive construction with 'geachtet'.

Ein reinlicher Arbeitsplatz fördert die Konzentration.

A cleanly workplace promotes concentration.

Attributive masculine nominative.

Sie pflegt einen reinlichen Lebensstil.

She maintains a cleanly lifestyle.

Accusative masculine with '-en'.

Wir legen Wert auf ein reinliches Erscheinungsbild unserer Mitarbeiter.

We value a cleanly appearance of our employees.

Preposition 'auf' + accusative.

Die Einhaltung reinlicher Standards ist in der Lebensmittelindustrie gesetzlich vorgeschrieben.

Compliance with cleanly standards is legally required in the food industry.

Genitive plural 'reinlicher'.

Trotz der Armut achtete die Familie peinlich genau auf ein reinliches Äußeres.

Despite the poverty, the family paid meticulous attention to a cleanly appearance.

Collocation 'peinlich genau'.

Die Katze putzt sich so reinlich, dass ihr Fell fast glänzt.

The cat cleans itself so cleanly that its fur almost shines.

Consecutive clause with 'so... dass'.

Eine reinliche Scheidung der privaten und geschäftlichen Finanzen ist ratsam.

A clean separation of private and business finances is advisable.

Figurative use meaning 'clear/distinct'.

Es mangelt ihm an der nötigen Reinlichkeit für diesen Beruf.

He lacks the necessary cleanliness for this profession.

Noun 'Reinlichkeit' after 'mangel an'.

In der Chirurgie ist reinliches Arbeiten überlebenswichtig.

In surgery, working cleanly is vital for survival.

Substantivized infinitive with adjective.

Das Hotel wirbt mit seiner überdurchschnittlichen Reinlichkeit.

The hotel advertises its above-average cleanliness.

Dative feminine noun.

Wer nicht reinlich ist, wird in dieser Gemeinschaft nicht akzeptiert.

Whoever is not cleanly will not be accepted in this community.

Relative pronoun 'wer' as subject.

Die reinliche Trennung von Staat und Kirche ist ein Grundpfeiler der Demokratie.

The clean separation of state and church is a cornerstone of democracy.

Abstract figurative usage.

Sein fast schon zwanghaft reinliches Verhalten deutet auf eine tiefere psychologische Ursache hin.

His almost obsessive cleanly behavior points to a deeper psychological cause.

Complex attributive structure.

Die Autorin beschreibt die Dorfbewohner als gottesfürchtig und überaus reinlich.

The author describes the villagers as God-fearing and exceedingly cleanly.

Adverb 'überaus' modifying the adjective.

Es bedarf einer reinlichen Analyse der Fakten, bevor wir ein Urteil fällen.

It requires a clean/clear analysis of the facts before we pass judgment.

Figurative use for 'clear/thorough'.

Die Reinlichkeit der Sprache ist dem Linguisten ein großes Anliegen.

The purity/cleanliness of language is a great concern to the linguist.

Metaphorical use of 'Reinlichkeit'.

In jener Epoche galt die Reinlichkeit als äußeres Zeichen innerer Moral.

In that era, cleanliness was considered an outward sign of inner morality.

Historical context usage.

Man muss die verschiedenen Argumentationsstränge reinlich auseinanderhalten.

One must keep the various lines of argument cleanly apart.

Adverbial use in intellectual discourse.

Die hygienischen Zustände waren prekär, weit entfernt von jeglicher Reinlichkeit.

The hygienic conditions were precarious, far from any cleanliness.

Dative feminine noun 'Reinlichkeit'.

Die philologische Akribie erfordert eine reinliche Scheidung von Originaltext und Kommentar.

Philological meticulousness requires a clean separation of original text and commentary.

High-level academic vocabulary.

Dass er so reinlich ist, mag manchem als Pedanterie erscheinen, ist aber schlicht sein Naturell.

That he is so cleanly may seem like pedantry to some, but it is simply his nature.

Complex sentence with 'mag... erscheinen'.

In der Phänomenologie des Alltags spielt die Reinlichkeit eine unterschätzte Rolle als ordnungsstiftendes Prinzip.

In the phenomenology of everyday life, cleanliness plays an underestimated role as an order-creating principle.

Abstract philosophical context.

Die reinliche Abgrenzung der Kompetenzbereiche verhinderte Kompetenzstreitigkeiten innerhalb der Behörde.

The clean demarcation of areas of competence prevented jurisdictional disputes within the authority.

Bureaucratic/Legal terminology.

Es ist die reinliche Freude am Unbefleckten, die ihn antreibt.

It is the pure/clean joy of the untainted that drives him.

Poetic/Aesthetic usage.

Das Werk besticht durch eine reinliche Komposition und den Verzicht auf unnötigen Zierrat.

The work impresses with a clean composition and the avoidance of unnecessary ornamentation.

Art criticism context.

Die historische Forschung muss hier eine reinliche Trennung zwischen Legende und Wahrheit vornehmen.

Historical research must make a clean separation between legend and truth here.

Scientific methodology context.

Die Reinlichkeit seiner Motive wurde von seinen politischen Gegnern oft in Zweifel gezogen.

The purity/cleanliness of his motives was often questioned by his political opponents.

Metaphorical use regarding ethics.

Collocations courantes

peinlich reinlich

von Natur aus reinlich

äußerst reinlich

reinliche Trennung

reinlicher Mensch

reinliche Kleidung

reinliche Verhältnisse

übertrieben reinlich

reinliche Scheidung

stets reinlich

Phrases Courantes

Sauberkeit und Reinlichkeit

— A pair of words often used together to emphasize high standards of hygiene and order.

In diesem Haushalt wird viel Wert auf Sauberkeit und Reinlichkeit gelegt.

eine reinliche Person sein

— To be someone who values and maintains cleanliness.

Ich bin froh, dass mein neuer Mitbewohner eine reinliche Person ist.

reinliche Arbeit leisten

— To work in a clean and precise manner, often in technical or medical fields.

Der Mechaniker hat eine sehr reinliche Arbeit geleistet.

auf Reinlichkeit achten

— To pay attention to cleanliness and hygiene.

In der Gastronomie muss man streng auf Reinlichkeit achten.

ein reinliches Tier

— A phrase almost exclusively used to describe cats or well-trained pets.

Die Katze ist ein reinliches Tier und braucht wenig Pflege von uns.

reinliche Zustände

— Clean conditions, often used to contrast with previously messy ones.

Endlich herrschen hier wieder reinliche Zustände.

etwas reinlich halten

— To keep something clean over a period of time.

Es ist wichtig, die Wunde reinlich zu halten.

reinliche Erziehung

— An upbringing where hygiene and order were emphasized.

Dank seiner reinlichen Erziehung ist er heute sehr ordentlich.

reinliche Umgebung

— A clean and hygienic environment.

Babys brauchen eine reinliche Umgebung.

reinliche Abgrenzung

— A clear and distinct boundary or separation.

Es gibt eine reinliche Abgrenzung zwischen den beiden Abteilungen.

Souvent confondu avec

reinlich vs sauber

Sauber is the state of an object; reinlich is the habit of a person.

reinlich vs rein

Rein means pure (water, heart); reinlich means cleanly (hygiene).

reinlich vs reinigend

Reinigend means 'cleansing' (like a mask or soap).

Expressions idiomatiques

"eine reinliche Scheidung machen"

— To make a clean break or a clear separation, usually in business or personal relationships.

Nach dem Streit machten sie eine reinliche Scheidung ihrer Interessen.

formal/neutral

"etwas reinlich auseinanderhalten"

— To keep things strictly separate and not let them mix.

Man muss Fakten und Fiktion reinlich auseinanderhalten.

neutral/intellectual

"einen Reinlichkeitsfimmel haben"

— To have an obsession with cleanliness (often used slightly mockingly).

Er hat einen echten Reinlichkeitsfimmel; er putzt dreimal am Tag.

informal

"reinliche Weste"

— A variation of 'saubere Weste', meaning a clean record or no criminal history.

Er hat eine reinliche Weste und wurde nie verurteilt.

neutral

"reinlich wie eine Katze"

— Extremely clean and concerned with hygiene.

Sie ist reinlich wie eine Katze und verbringt Stunden im Bad.

informal

"auf Reinlichkeit getrimmt sein"

— To be strictly trained or conditioned to be clean.

In der Armee werden die Rekruten auf Reinlichkeit getrimmt.

neutral

"reinliche Freude"

— A pure or unadulterated joy (somewhat poetic).

Es war eine reinliche Freude, den Kindern beim Spielen zuzusehen.

literary

"alles reinlich im Griff haben"

— To have everything perfectly under control and organized.

Die neue Managerin hat alles reinlich im Griff.

informal

"reinliche Bilanz"

— A clean balance sheet, free of hidden debts or errors.

Das Unternehmen präsentierte eine reinliche Bilanz.

formal/business

"bis zur Reinlichkeit"

— To the point of cleanliness (used to describe an action).

Er polierte das Silber bis zur Reinlichkeit.

neutral

Facile à confondre

reinlich vs rein

Similar root and sound.

'Rein' refers to the essence or purity of a substance, while 'reinlich' refers to the practice of hygiene.

Das Wasser ist rein, aber der Koch ist nicht reinlich.

reinlich vs sauber

Both translate to 'clean'.

'Sauber' is the result (no dirt), 'reinlich' is the personality trait or instinctual behavior.

Die Wohnung ist sauber, weil die Bewohner reinlich sind.

reinlich vs ordentlich

Both relate to a tidy home.

'Ordentlich' is about organization (books on shelves), 'reinlich' is about hygiene (no germs/dust).

Er ist ordentlich, aber nicht reinlich; seine Bücher stehen gerade, aber er wäscht sich selten.

reinlich vs reinigend

Both come from 'reinigen'.

'Reinigend' is the action of cleaning (cleansing), 'reinlich' is the state of being a clean person.

Ich benutze ein reinigendes Gel, um reinlich zu bleiben.

reinlich vs stubenrein

Both used for animals.

'Stubenrein' specifically means the animal doesn't go to the bathroom inside; 'reinlich' is general grooming.

Die Katze ist reinlich (putzt sich) und stubenrein (nutzt das Klo).

Structures de phrases

Ich bin [Adjective].

Ich bin reinlich.

Mein [Noun] ist [Comparative] als...

Mein Mitbewohner ist reinlicher als ich.

Es ist wichtig, dass [Subordinate Clause].

Es ist wichtig, dass man reinlich arbeitet.

Trotz [Genitive], ist [Subject] [Adjective].

Trotz der Eile blieb er reinlich.

Die [Noun] erfordert eine [Adjective] [Noun].

Die Analyse erfordert eine reinliche Trennung der Daten.

Es mag [Dative] [Adjective] erscheinen, aber...

Es mag vielen übertrieben reinlich erscheinen, aber es ist notwendig.

Achten auf [Accusative].

Wir achten auf Reinlichkeit.

[Noun] sind [Adjective] Tiere.

Katzen sind reinliche Tiere.

Famille de mots

Noms

Reinlichkeit

Reinigung

Reinheit

Reiniger

Reinlichkeitsfimmel

Verbes

reinigen

bereinigen

verunreinigen

Adjectifs

rein

unrein

reinigend

unreinlich

Apparenté

sauber

hygienisch

stubenrein

besenrein

lupenrein

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Common in household, medical, and pet-related contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Der Tisch ist reinlich. → Der Tisch ist sauber.
Tables don't have habits; they are just in a state of being clean.
Ich trinke reinliches Wasser. → Ich trinke reines Wasser.
'Reinlich' is about hygiene habits; 'rein' is about the purity of the substance.
Er ist ein sauberer Mitbewohner. → Er ist ein reinlicher Mitbewohner.
'Sauberer Mann' can mean he is honest or not a criminal. 'Reinlich' specifically means he is hygienic.
Die Katze ist stubenrein. → Die Katze ist reinlich.
While 'stubenrein' is okay, 'reinlich' is better for describing grooming habits. 'Stubenrein' is only for bathroom habits.
Ich brauche eine reinliche Maske. → Ich brauche eine reinigende Maske.
A face mask is 'reinigend' (cleansing), not 'reinlich' (cleanly).

Astuces

People and Pets Only

Remember to use 'reinlich' for people and animals. For objects like windows or floors, stick with 'sauber'.

Adjective Endings

Watch your endings! 'Ein reinlicher Mitbewohner' (masculine), 'eine reinliche Katze' (feminine).

Rein vs. Reinlich

Use 'rein' for purity (air, water, heart) and 'reinlich' for hygiene habits.

Cultural Value

In Germany, being 'reinlich' is a sign of reliability. Use it to describe yourself in flatshare applications!

Soft 'ch'

The 'ch' in 'reinlich' is the soft ich-laut. Don't pronounce it like a 'k'.

Peinlich Reinlich

The phrase 'peinlich reinlich' means someone is extremely, almost painfully clean.

Cat Context

If you talk about cats, 'reinlich' is the perfect word to describe their grooming.

Medical Settings

In hospitals, 'Reinlichkeit' is more than a habit; it's a protocol.

Sauberkeit vs. Reinlichkeit

Use 'Sauberkeit' for the state and 'Reinlichkeit' for the habit.

Clean Break

'Reinliche Scheidung' is a great idiom for a clear separation in business.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'Rainy' day. After the 'Rain', the air is 'REIN' (pure) and the streets are 'REINLICH' (cleanly).

Association visuelle

Imagine a cat meticulously licking its paw. A cat is the ultimate 'reinlich' animal.

Word Web

Sauberkeit Hygiene Katze Händewaschen Ordnung Reinheit Badezimmer Pflege

Défi

Try to describe your most 'reinlich' friend or family member using at least three different forms of the word in German.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Middle High German word 'reinlīch', which stems from the Old High German 'reini'. It has always been connected to the idea of being 'pure' or 'free from dirt'.

Sens originel : Originally, it meant 'beautiful', 'pure', or 'excellent'. Over time, the meaning shifted from a general aesthetic or moral quality to the specific physical habit of cleanliness.

Germanic (Indo-European). It shares roots with the English word 'rinse' (via Old French from Latin) and is related to the Dutch 'rein'.

Contexte culturel

Be careful not to sound judgmental; calling someone 'unreinlich' is a significant personal insult in German.

In English, we might use 'tidy' or 'cleanly', but 'reinlich' often carries a stronger sense of personal hygiene habit than 'tidy' (which is more about organization).

The Brothers Grimm often used 'reinlich' to describe virtuous characters. Heinrich Hoffmann's 'Struwwelpeter' is the anti-example of 'Reinlichkeit'. German advertisements for detergents often use 'Reinlichkeit' as a key selling point.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Household/Roommates

Wer ist für die Reinlichkeit zuständig?
Ich bin sehr reinlich.
Ein reinlicher Haushalt.
Sauberkeit und Reinlichkeit.

Pets

Ist der Hund reinlich?
Katzen sind reinliche Tiere.
Stubenrein werden.
Die Pfoten reinlich säubern.

Professional Hygiene

Reinliche Arbeitsweise.
Hygiene und Reinlichkeit.
Reinliche Trennung der Lebensmittel.
In der Praxis muss es reinlich sein.

Personal Character

Ein reinlicher Mensch.
Auf sein Äußeres achten.
Peinlich reinlich sein.
Reinliche Erziehung.

Figurative Separation

Reinliche Scheidung.
Reinliche Trennung von Fakten.
Reinliche Abgrenzung.
Alles reinlich halten.

Amorces de conversation

"Findest du es wichtig, dass ein Mitbewohner sehr reinlich ist?"

"Sind Katzen deiner Meinung nach die reinlichsten Haustiere?"

"Wie definierst du Reinlichkeit im Vergleich zu bloßer Ordnung?"

"Warst du als Kind schon immer sehr reinlich oder eher unordentlich?"

"In welchen Berufen ist Reinlichkeit absolut unverzichtbar?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beschreibe eine Person, die du kennst, die extrem reinlich ist. Wie wirkt sich das auf ihr Leben aus?

Reflektiere über deine eigenen Gewohnheiten bezüglich Reinlichkeit. Was könntest du verbessern?

Warum glaubst du, dass Reinlichkeit in der deutschen Kultur oft so hoch bewertet wird?

Schreibe über eine Situation, in der mangelnde Reinlichkeit zu einem Problem geführt hat.

Diskutiere die Vor- und Nachteile eines 'Reinlichkeitsfimmels'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. You would use 'sauber' or 'gepflegt'. 'Reinlich' is reserved for living beings or habitual actions. For example, 'Er hält sein Auto reinlich' is possible, but 'Das Auto ist reinlich' sounds strange.

Yes, it is a very positive word in German. It suggests that a person is disciplined, healthy, and respectful of their environment. However, 'übertrieben reinlich' can be a mild criticism.

'Sauberkeit' is the general noun for 'cleanliness'. 'Reinlichkeit' specifically refers to the human habit or virtue of being clean. You will often see them used together: 'Sauberkeit und Reinlichkeit'.

The specific word is 'stubenrein'. While a house-trained dog is 'reinlich', 'stubenrein' is the correct term for that specific training.

No, 'pure' is 'rein'. 'Reinlich' is strictly about cleanliness and hygiene habits. You wouldn't say 'reinliches Gold' (pure gold).

Yes, it is a standard B2-level word. While 'sauber' is more common in daily speech, 'reinlich' is essential for describing character, pets, and professional standards.

It's an informal, slightly negative term for someone who is obsessed with cleaning. 'Fimmel' means a quirk or obsession.

Yes. 'Sie arbeitet reinlich' means she works in a clean and hygienic manner. It's common in culinary or medical contexts.

The comparative is 'reinlicher' and the superlative is 'am reinlichsten'.

You can use 'eine reinliche Scheidung' or 'ein reinlicher Schnitt'. It's a figurative use of the word.

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