reisen in 30 Seconds
- Reisen means 'to travel' in German.
- It's a common verb for journeys and holidays.
- Used for moving from one place to another.
- Uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense.
The German verb reisen is a fundamental word used to describe the act of moving from one place to another, typically for pleasure, business, or exploration. It encompasses the idea of a journey, a trip, or a voyage. When you decide to go on holiday, visit family in another city, or embark on an adventure to a new country, you are reisen.
- Core Meaning
- To undertake a journey; to go from one place to another, often over a considerable distance or for a specific purpose.
- Scope
- It can refer to short trips, long vacations, business travel, backpacking, and even international voyages.
Wir möchten im Sommer nach Italien reisen.
This verb is incredibly common in everyday German conversation. You'll hear it when people discuss their holiday plans, share stories about past trips, or express their desire to see more of the world. It's a versatile word that fits into many contexts, from casual chats about weekend getaways to more formal discussions about international business trips.
- Usage Scenarios
- Planning vacations: 'Wohin möchtest du reisen?' (Where would you like to travel?)
Discussing past trips: 'Wir sind letztes Jahr nach Spanien gereist.' (We traveled to Spain last year.)
Expressing wanderlust: 'Ich würde gerne mehr reisen.' (I would like to travel more.)
Business travel: 'Er muss oft für seine Arbeit reisen.' (He often has to travel for his work.)
Meine Großeltern reisen gerne mit dem Zug.
Understanding reisen is crucial for basic communication in German, especially when talking about leisure activities, holidays, and personal experiences. It’s a verb you’ll encounter frequently as you learn the language.
Reisen is a regular verb in German, which makes it relatively straightforward to conjugate. It belongs to the group of verbs that use 'haben' as their auxiliary verb in the perfect tenses (Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt).
- Present Tense (Präsens)
- Ich reise (I travel)
Du reist (You travel - informal singular)
Er/Sie/Es reist (He/She/It travels)
Wir reisen (We travel)
Ihr reist (You travel - informal plural)
Sie reisen (They travel / You travel - formal)
Ich reise nächste Woche nach Berlin.
- Perfect Tense (Perfekt)
- The past participle of reisen is gereist. It is used with the auxiliary verb haben.
Ich bin gereist (I have traveled)
Du bist gereist (You have traveled)
Er/Sie/Es ist gereist (He/She/It has traveled)
Wir sind gereist (We have traveled)
Ihr seid gereist (You have traveled)
Sie sind gereist (They have traveled / You have traveled)
Wir sind letztes Jahr nach Österreich gereist.
When forming sentences, you'll often see prepositions that indicate the destination or mode of travel. Common prepositions include 'nach' (to - for countries, cities, continents), 'in' (in/to - for regions, countries with articles, or indicating a destination within a place), and 'mit' (with/by - for means of transport).
- Sentence Examples
- Present:
Sie reist bald nach Spanien.
(She is traveling to Spain soon.)
Perfect:
Er ist schon dreimal nach Amerika gereist.
(He has already traveled to America three times.)
With a preposition:
Ich reise gerne mit dem Flugzeug.
(I like to travel by plane.)
In a question:
Wohin reist ihr im Urlaub?
(Where are you traveling for the holidays?)
Wir reisen nicht so oft.
You'll encounter the verb reisen in a multitude of everyday situations in German-speaking countries. It’s a staple of casual conversation, travel-related media, and personal anecdotes.
- Social Gatherings
- At parties, family reunions, or coffee meet-ups, people often ask each other about their travel experiences or plans. You'll hear questions like: 'Bist du schon mal nach Japan gereist?' (Have you ever traveled to Japan?) or 'Wohin möchtest du als Nächstes reisen?' (Where do you want to travel next?).
Meine Freunde reisen gerne in den Bergen.
- Travel Agencies and Tourism
- Advertisements, brochures, and conversations with travel agents will frequently use reisen. Phrases like 'Entdecken Sie die Welt und reisen Sie mit uns!' (Discover the world and travel with us!) are common.
- News and Media
- News reports about international events, tourism trends, or even discussions about climate change might mention how much people reisen and its impact.
Ich träume davon, um die Welt zu reisen.
- Online Forums and Blogs
- Travel blogs and forums are full of personal accounts of people sharing their journeys. You'll see titles like 'Meine Erfahrungen, als ich durch Asien gereist bin' (My experiences when I traveled through Asia) or 'Tipps für das erste Mal reisen allein' (Tips for traveling alone for the first time).
Wir reisen im Sommer ans Meer.
In essence, any time someone is discussing movement, journeys, holidays, or exploring new places, the verb reisen is likely to be involved.
Learners of German often make a few common mistakes when using the verb reisen. Being aware of these can help you avoid them.
- Confusing 'reisen' with 'fahren' or 'gehen'
- While all three relate to movement, they have different nuances. 'Fahren' is generally used for traveling by vehicle (car, train, bus, bike), 'gehen' for walking or moving on foot, and 'reisen' for the broader concept of undertaking a journey, often over a longer distance or for leisure. For example, you fahren with the car, but you reisen to a new country for vacation. You might gehen to the shop, but you reisen to another city for a conference.
Incorrect: Ich fahre nach Italien. (If referring to a long vacation)
Correct: Ich reise nach Italien.
- Incorrect Auxiliary Verb in Perfect Tenses
- As mentioned, reisen is a verb of motion and uses 'sein' as its auxiliary verb in the perfect tenses. A common error is to use 'haben' instead. For example, saying 'Ich habe gereist' instead of 'Ich bin gereist'.
Incorrect: Wir haben nach Deutschland gefahren.
Correct: Wir sind nach Deutschland gereist.
- Overuse of 'reisen' for short distances
- While reisen can technically be used for any journey, it's more natural to use 'fahren' or 'gehen' for very short trips within the same town or city. For instance, you would say 'Ich fahre zum Supermarkt' (I'm driving to the supermarket) rather than 'Ich reise zum Supermarkt'.
Sie reist viel.
While reisen is the most general term for traveling, German offers other verbs and phrases that can be used in specific contexts or with slightly different nuances. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and help you express yourself more precisely.
- Fahren (to drive, to go by vehicle)
- Usage: Primarily used when traveling by means of transport like cars, trains, buses, bikes, or even ships. It focuses on the act of operating or being transported by a vehicle.
Difference from reisen: 'Fahren' is more specific about the mode of transport. You can 'fahren' to the next town for groceries, which isn't typically described as 'reisen'. 'Reisen' is broader and often implies a longer journey, leisure, or a significant trip.
Example: 'Ich fahre mit dem Auto nach München.' (I am driving to Munich.) vs. 'Ich reise nach München.' (I am traveling to Munich - could be by any means, implying a longer trip).
- Gehen (to go, to walk)
- Usage: Refers to moving on foot or the general act of going somewhere. It's the most basic form of movement.
Difference from reisen: 'Gehen' is about locomotion, usually on foot, and for short distances. 'Reisen' is about undertaking a journey, often involving significant travel and distance.
Example: 'Ich gehe zum Supermarkt.' (I am walking to the supermarket.) vs. 'Ich reise ins Ausland.' (I am traveling abroad.)
- Unterwegs sein (to be on the way, to be traveling)
- Usage: Describes the state of being in transit or on a journey. It's more about the ongoing process of traveling.
Difference from reisen: 'Unterwegs sein' emphasizes the state of being in motion, while 'reisen' is the action of embarking on a journey. You can be 'unterwegs' while you are 'reisen'.
Example: 'Wir sind schon seit drei Stunden unterwegs.' (We have been on the way for three hours.) This implies they are currently traveling, possibly as part of a larger 'Reise'.
- Besichtigen (to visit, to sightsee)
- Usage: Specifically refers to visiting places of interest, sightseeing, or touring.
Difference from reisen: 'Besichtigen' is an activity that happens *during* a trip ('Reise'). You reisen to Paris, and then you besichtigen the Eiffel Tower.
Wir reisen gerne.
- Eine Reise machen (to make a trip/journey)
- Usage: This is a common phrasal alternative to using the verb 'reisen' directly. It uses the noun 'die Reise' (the trip/journey).
Difference from reisen: Functionally very similar. 'Reisen' is the verb, 'eine Reise machen' is a common idiomatic expression using the noun.
Example: 'Wir machen nächste Woche eine Reise nach Italien.' (We are making a trip to Italy next week.) This is equivalent to 'Wir reisen nächste Woche nach Italien.'
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
Interestingly, the English word 'rise' shares a very distant common ancestor with 'reisen', both stemming from Proto-Germanic roots related to movement upwards or forwards. However, the direct semantic link is through the 'hasten' or 'move quickly' meaning.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the initial 'r' as an English 'r'.
- Pronouncing the 'ei' as 'ay' (like in 'say').
- Voicing the 's' sound incorrectly (making it like 's' in 'sun').
Difficulty Rating
CEFR A1 level. The verb 'reisen' is fundamental and frequently encountered in simple texts about holidays, plans, and personal experiences. Understanding its basic meaning and conjugation is key for early readers.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Perfect Tense with 'sein'
'Reisen' is a verb of motion and uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. Example: Ich bin nach Paris gereist.
Prepositions of Destination ('nach', 'in')
'Nach' is used for most countries and cities (Ich reise nach Deutschland). 'In' is used for regions or countries with articles (Ich reise in die Schweiz).
Preposition of Means ('mit')
'Mit' is used to indicate the mode of transport. Example: Wir reisen mit dem Zug.
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs like 'können', 'möchten', 'wollen' are used with 'reisen' as the infinitive at the end of the sentence. Example: Ich möchte gerne reisen.
Adverbs of Frequency
Adverbs like 'oft' (often), 'selten' (rarely), 'nie' (never) modify the verb 'reisen'. Example: Sie reist oft.
Examples by Level
Ich reise gern.
I like to travel.
Simple present tense of 'reisen'.
Wir reisen nach Berlin.
We are traveling to Berlin.
'nach' is used for cities and countries.
Er reist mit dem Auto.
He travels by car.
'mit' indicates the mode of transport.
Sie reist bald.
She travels soon.
Simple present tense, future implication.
Reist du oft?
Do you travel often?
Question form in present tense.
Ich bin nach Spanien gereist.
I have traveled to Spain.
Perfekt tense with auxiliary 'sein'.
Sie sind weit gereist.
They have traveled far.
Perfekt tense, emphasizing distance.
Wohin reist ihr?
Where are you (plural) traveling?
Question word 'Wohin' and informal plural 'ihr'.
Ich reise gerne mit dem Zug, weil es entspannend ist.
I like to travel by train because it is relaxing.
Use of 'weil' to connect clauses.
Wir sind letztes Jahr nach Italien gereist und haben viel gesehen.
We traveled to Italy last year and saw a lot.
Perfekt tense, coordinating conjunction 'und'.
Er möchte im nächsten Urlaub in den Bergen reisen.
He wants to travel in the mountains during his next vacation.
Modal verb 'möchte' with infinitive 'reisen'.
Sie reist viel für ihre Arbeit.
She travels a lot for her work.
Adverb 'viel' and preposition 'für'.
Hast du schon einmal in Asien gereist?
Have you ever traveled in Asia?
Use of 'schon einmal' for 'ever'.
Meine Eltern reisen dieses Jahr nicht, sie bleiben zu Hause.
My parents are not traveling this year, they are staying at home.
Negation with 'nicht' and contrast with 'bleiben'.
Wir planen, im Sommer nach Schweden zu reisen.
We are planning to travel to Sweden in the summer.
Verb 'planen' followed by infinitive clause.
Die Kinder reisen zum ersten Mal ohne ihre Eltern.
The children are traveling for the first time without their parents.
Use of 'zum ersten Mal' and 'ohne'.
Obwohl das Wetter schlecht war, sind wir trotzdem weitergereist.
Although the weather was bad, we traveled on anyway.
Subordinating conjunction 'obwohl' and adverb 'trotzdem'.
Sie träumt davon, eines Tages die ganze Welt zu bereisen.
She dreams of traveling the whole world one day.
Verb 'träumen von' + infinitive clause with 'zu'.
Für diese Reise musste er eine Menge Geld sparen.
For this trip, he had to save a lot of money.
Noun 'Reise' and expression 'eine Menge Geld sparen'.
Man muss bei Fernreisen immer die Einreisebestimmungen prüfen.
One must always check the entry requirements for long-distance travel.
Impersonal pronoun 'man' and noun 'Fernreisen'.
Nachdem wir in Paris angekommen waren, haben wir sofort die Stadt bereist.
After we had arrived in Paris, we immediately traveled around the city.
Subordinating conjunction 'nachdem' and Plusquamperfekt.
Er hat sich entschieden, beruflich nach Übersee zu reisen.
He has decided to travel overseas for work.
Verb 'sich entscheiden' + infinitive clause.
Die Vorteile des Reisens sind vielfältig: Man lernt neue Kulturen kennen und erweitert seinen Horizont.
The advantages of traveling are diverse: one gets to know new cultures and broadens one's horizons.
Abstract noun 'Reisen' and idiomatic expressions.
Sie plant, mit dem Rucksack durch Südamerika zu reisen.
She plans to travel through South America with a backpack.
Preposition 'durch' and noun 'Rucksack'.
Die Möglichkeit, durch verschiedene Länder zu reisen, ist für viele ein großer Traum.
The opportunity to travel through different countries is a big dream for many.
Infinitive clause with 'zu' as a subject.
Er hat seine Reisepläne kurzfristig geändert, um noch mehr von der Region zu bereisen.
He changed his travel plans at short notice to travel even more of the region.
Adverbial phrases 'kurzfristig' and 'noch mehr'.
Trotz der anfänglichen Schwierigkeiten hat sie ihre Reise fortgesetzt und wertvolle Erfahrungen gesammelt.
Despite the initial difficulties, she continued her journey and gathered valuable experiences.
Preposition 'trotz' and past participle 'fortgesetzt'.
Die Digitalisierung ermöglicht es uns, Informationen über Reiseziele abzurufen, bevor wir dorthin reisen.
Digitalization allows us to retrieve information about travel destinations before we travel there.
Complex sentence structure with subordinate clauses.
Sie bereiste nach ihrem Studium mehrere Kontinente, um sich persönlich weiterzuentwickeln.
After her studies, she traveled several continents to develop herself personally.
Verb 'bereisen' (past tense of bereisen) and purpose clause.
Die Entscheidung, ob man lieber alleine oder in einer Gruppe reist, hängt stark von der Persönlichkeit ab.
The decision whether one prefers to travel alone or in a group strongly depends on personality.
Indirect question 'ob' and passive construction 'abhängen von'.
Es ist faszinierend zu beobachten, wie unterschiedlich Menschen reisen und welche Prioritäten sie dabei setzen.
It is fascinating to observe how differently people travel and what priorities they set.
Infinitive clause with 'zu' as subject, relative clause.
Die globale Vernetzung hat das Reisen zwar erleichtert, aber auch zu neuen Herausforderungen geführt.
While globalization has made traveling easier, it has also led to new challenges.
Concessive clause with 'zwar...aber'.
Die Sehnsucht, ferne Länder zu bereisen und unbekannte Kulturen zu entdecken, ist ein tief verwurzeltes menschliches Bedürfnis.
The longing to travel to distant lands and discover unknown cultures is a deeply rooted human need.
Abstract noun 'Sehnsucht' and complex nominalization.
Nachhaltiges Reisen gewinnt zunehmend an Bedeutung, da die Umweltauswirkungen des Massentourismus immer deutlicher werden.
Sustainable travel is gaining increasing importance as the environmental impact of mass tourism becomes more apparent.
Adverbial phrases 'zunehmend an Bedeutung' and causal clause with 'da'.
Seine Fähigkeit, sich in fremden Umgebungen zurechtzufinden und mit Einheimischen zu kommunizieren, machte jede Reise zu einem unvergesslichen Erlebnis.
His ability to find his way in foreign environments and communicate with locals made every trip an unforgettable experience.
Complex noun phrases and relative clause.
Die Kommerzialisierung des Reisens hat zwar den Zugang zu vielen Destinationen demokratisiert, doch birgt sie auch die Gefahr der Homogenisierung kultureller Identitäten.
While the commercialization of travel has democratized access to many destinations, it also carries the risk of homogenizing cultural identities.
Concessive clause 'zwar...doch' and abstract nouns.
Er resümierte, dass seine jahrelange Reisetätigkeit ihn gelehrt habe, die kleinen Dinge im Leben mehr zu schätzen.
He concluded that his years of traveling had taught him to appreciate the small things in life more.
Reported speech with Konjunktiv I and noun 'Reisetätigkeit'.
Die geographische Mobilität, die durch das moderne Reisen ermöglicht wird, hat tiefgreifende Auswirkungen auf die soziale Struktur und die individuelle Identitätsbildung.
The geographical mobility enabled by modern travel has profound effects on social structure and individual identity formation.
Abstract concepts and complex sentence structure.
Manche argumentieren, dass das virtuelle Reisen den Wunsch nach physischer Erkundung langfristig untergraben könnte.
Some argue that virtual travel could undermine the desire for physical exploration in the long term.
Modal verb 'könnte' and abstract noun 'Erkundung'.
Die Entschleunigung des Reisens, weg vom reinen Sightseeing hin zu einem tieferen Eintauchen in die lokale Kultur, ist ein wachsender Trend.
The deceleration of travel, away from pure sightseeing towards a deeper immersion in the local culture, is a growing trend.
Nominalization and contrastive phrasing.
Die Anthropologie des Reisens erforscht, wie Mobilität und kultureller Austausch die menschliche Zivilisation über Epochen hinweg geprägt haben.
The anthropology of travel explores how mobility and cultural exchange have shaped human civilization across epochs.
Specialized vocabulary and abstract concepts.
Die Dialektik von Entfremdung und Anverwandlung, die das Reisen oft impliziert, reflektiert die komplexe Beziehung zwischen dem Reisenden und seiner Umwelt.
The dialectic of alienation and appropriation that travel often implies reflects the complex relationship between the traveler and their environment.
Philosophical terms and complex sentence structure.
Die Postmoderne hat das Konzept des Reisens dekonstruiert, indem sie die Authentizität von Reiseerlebnissen in Frage stellt und die Grenzen zwischen Realität und Simulation verschwimmen lässt.
Postmodernism has deconstructed the concept of travel by questioning the authenticity of travel experiences and blurring the lines between reality and simulation.
Literary and philosophical terms, complex sentence structure.
Die Ökonomie des Reisens ist ein vielschichtiges Feld, das von globalen Lieferketten bis hin zu den psychologischen Triebkräften individueller Reiseentscheidungen reicht.
The economics of travel is a multifaceted field, ranging from global supply chains to the psychological drivers of individual travel decisions.
Specialized vocabulary and complex enumeration.
Die transkulturelle Kompetenz, die durch extensives Reisen kultiviert wird, ist heutzutage eine unerlässliche Fähigkeit in einer globalisierten Welt.
The intercultural competence cultivated through extensive travel is an indispensable skill in today's globalized world.
Abstract concepts and sophisticated vocabulary.
Die Nostalgie für eine vermeintlich einfachere Zeit des Reisens, die oft in Reiseerzählungen evoziert wird, bedarf einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung.
The nostalgia for a supposedly simpler time of travel, often evoked in travel narratives, requires critical examination.
Complex nominalizations and critical analysis phrasing.
Die Aneignung und Umdeutung von Reiseerfahrungen durch Medien und Populärkultur kann dazu führen, dass die tatsächliche Erfahrung des Reisens verzerrt wahrgenommen wird.
The appropriation and reinterpretation of travel experiences by media and popular culture can lead to the actual experience of travel being perceived distortedly.
Complex sentence structure and abstract verbs.
Die ethischen Implikationen des Reisens, insbesondere in Bezug auf ökologische Nachhaltigkeit und soziale Gerechtigkeit, stellen eine fortwährende Debatte dar.
The ethical implications of travel, particularly concerning ecological sustainability and social justice, present an ongoing debate.
Abstract ethical and political terminology.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— I like to travel. This is a simple and direct way to express enjoyment of traveling.
Ich reise gern und entdecke neue Orte.
— Where are you traveling? A common question asked when inquiring about someone's travel plans.
Wohin reist du in deinem nächsten Urlaub?
— We traveled to Germany. This uses the perfect tense to talk about a past journey.
Letztes Jahr sind wir nach Deutschland gereist.
— I would like to travel. Expresses a desire or wish to travel.
Ich möchte gerne mehr von der Welt sehen und reisen.
— Traveling educates. This is a common saying implying that travel broadens one's knowledge and perspective.
Man sagt, Reisen bildet, und das stimmt.
— To travel by car. Specifies the mode of transportation.
Wir reisen lieber mit dem Auto, um flexibel zu sein.
— After a long journey... Used to introduce something that happened after returning from a trip.
Nach einer langen Reise war ich sehr müde.
— The journey is the destination. A philosophical phrase suggesting that the experience of traveling is as important, if not more important, than the final destination.
Manchmal ist die Reise das Ziel, nicht nur der Ort, an dem man ankommt.
— I travel a lot. A straightforward statement about one's travel frequency.
Da mein Job es erfordert, reise ich viel.
— To plan a trip. Refers to the preparation involved before traveling.
Wir müssen noch eine Reise nach Italien planen.
Often Confused With
'Fahren' is used specifically for travel by vehicle (car, train, bus), whereas 'reisen' is a more general term for any journey, often implying longer distances or leisure.
'Gehen' means 'to go' or 'to walk' and is typically used for short distances or movement on foot, contrasting with the broader scope of 'reisen'.
'Sein' (to be) is the auxiliary verb used with 'gereist' in the perfect tenses, not 'haben'. This is a common point of confusion for learners.
Idioms & Expressions
— To travel the world. This idiom signifies extensive travel, visiting many different countries and continents.
Er hat sein ganzes Leben damit verbracht, die Welt zu bereisen.
neutral— To be on the road, to be traveling (often for work). This idiom is used for people who travel frequently, especially for professional reasons.
Als LKW-Fahrer bin ich ständig auf Achse.
informal— To pack the suitcases. This is a common phrase associated with the preparation for traveling.
Morgen früh geht es los, also packe ich heute Abend die Koffer.
neutral— The journey is the destination. This idiom suggests that the experience of traveling itself is more important than the final destination.
Manchmal vergisst man das, aber die Reise ist das Ziel.
neutral— To get going, to set off (often for a trip). An informal way to say you are starting your journey.
Es ist spät, wir sollten uns langsam auf die Socken machen.
informal— To get from A to B. A basic description of travel, often used when discussing logistics or the simple act of moving between points.
Ziel ist es, die Leute schnell von A nach B zu bringen.
neutral— It's a small world. While not directly about the act of traveling, this idiom is often used when people meet unexpectedly while traveling or discover connections between places.
Ich habe deinen Cousin in Tokio getroffen! Die Welt ist ein Dorf.
neutral— To seek new shores. This idiom means to look for new opportunities, experiences, or a new life, often implying travel or moving to a new place.
Nach dem Studium beschloss er, neue Ufer zu suchen.
figurative— To embark on a journey. A slightly more formal or literary way to say 'to start traveling'.
Am nächsten Morgen machten sie sich auf die Reise.
neutral/literary— To get travel fever. To feel excited and a bit anxious before a trip.
Kurz vor dem Abflug bekomme ich immer Reisefieber.
neutralEasily Confused
Both verbs relate to movement and travel.
'Fahren' is specifically about travel by a vehicle (car, train, bus, bike). 'Reisen' is a more general term for undertaking a journey, often implying longer distances or leisure, and can be by any means. For example, you 'fahren' to the next town by car, but you 'reisen' to another country for vacation.
Ich <strong>fahre</strong> mit dem Fahrrad zur Arbeit. (I travel to work by bike.) vs. Ich <strong>reise</strong> gerne in den Urlaub. (I like to travel on vacation.)
Both are verbs related to travel and share a similar root.
'Reisen' is the general verb 'to travel'. 'Bereisen' is often used transitively, meaning 'to travel to/through/around' a specific place or region, implying a more thorough exploration or covering a significant area. It sounds slightly more formal or literary. Example: 'Er hat viele Länder <strong>bereist</strong>.' (He has traveled extensively through many countries.)
Er hat viele Länder <strong>bereist</strong>. (He has traveled extensively through many countries.)
It's the noun form related to the verb 'reisen'.
'Reisen' is the verb (to travel). 'Die Reise' is the noun (the journey, the trip). You 'reisen' (verb) and you go on 'eine Reise' (noun). Example: 'Ich <strong>reise</strong> gerne.' (I like to travel.) vs. 'Ich mache gerne <strong>eine Reise</strong>.' (I like to take a trip.)
Ich <strong>reise</strong> gerne. (I like to travel.) vs. Ich mache gerne <strong>eine Reise</strong>. (I like to take a trip.)
Both describe being in transit.
'Reisen' is the action of embarking on a journey. 'Unterwegs sein' means 'to be on the way' or 'to be traveling', emphasizing the state of being in motion during a journey. You 'reisen' to get somewhere, and while you are traveling, you are 'unterwegs'. Example: 'Wir <strong>reisen</strong> nach Berlin.' (We are traveling to Berlin.) vs. 'Wir sind schon seit drei Stunden <strong>unterwegs</strong>.' (We have been on the way for three hours.)
Wir <strong>reisen</strong> nach Berlin. (We are traveling to Berlin.) vs. Wir sind schon seit drei Stunden <strong>unterwegs</strong>. (We have been on the way for three hours.)
Both refer to traveling.
'Auf Achse sein' is an informal idiom meaning 'to be on the road', often used for people who travel frequently for work (like truck drivers or salespeople). 'Reisen' is the general, neutral term for traveling. Example: 'Der LKW-Fahrer ist immer <strong>auf Achse</strong>.' (The truck driver is always on the road.)
Der LKW-Fahrer ist immer <strong>auf Achse</strong>. (The truck driver is always on the road.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + reisen.
Ich reise.
Subject + reisen + nach + Destination.
Sie reist nach Berlin.
Subject + reisen + mit + Transportmittel.
Wir reisen mit dem Bus.
Subject + sein + gereist.
Er ist gereist.
Subject + Modalverb + Destination + reisen.
Ich möchte nach Frankreich reisen.
Subject + reisen + weil + Clause.
Ich reise gerne, weil es Spaß macht.
Nachdem + Clause (Plusquamperfekt), + Subject + haben/sein + gereist.
Nachdem wir angekommen waren, sind wir viel gereist.
Obwohl + Clause, + Subject + haben/sein + gereist.
Obwohl es regnete, sind wir gereist.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high. 'Reisen' is a fundamental verb used daily in conversations about plans, experiences, and desires.
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Using 'haben' instead of 'sein' in the perfect tense.
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Ich <strong>bin</strong> gereist.
'Reisen' indicates movement and uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense. A common error is to incorrectly use 'haben'.
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Confusing 'reisen' with 'fahren' for short trips.
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Ich <strong>fahre</strong> zum Supermarkt.
While 'reisen' can mean travel, it's typically for longer journeys. For short trips or commutes, especially by vehicle, 'fahren' is more appropriate.
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Incorrect prepositions with destinations.
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Ich reise <strong>nach</strong> Deutschland.
Remember that 'nach' is generally used for countries and cities, while 'in' is used for regions or countries with articles (e.g., 'in die Schweiz').
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Using 'reisen' for 'moving house'.
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Ich <strong>ziehe</strong> um.
'Reisen' refers to journeys and trips, not the act of relocating your residence. For moving house, the verb is 'umziehen'.
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Overgeneralizing 'reisen' for any kind of movement.
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Ich <strong>gehe</strong> nach Hause.
For simple movement on foot or going somewhere locally, 'gehen' is the correct verb. 'Reisen' implies a more significant journey.
Tips
Expand Your Travel Vocabulary
Beyond 'reisen', learn related words like 'Urlaub' (holiday), 'Ziel' (destination), 'Flugzeug' (airplane), 'Zug' (train), 'Hotel', and 'Sehenswürdigkeit' (sight). This will allow you to describe your travel experiences more fully.
Master the Perfect Tense
Since 'reisen' uses 'sein' in the perfect tense, practice forming sentences like 'Ich bin nach Berlin gereist.' and 'Wir sind letztes Jahr nach Spanien gereist.' This is crucial for talking about past journeys.
Use 'reisen' in Conversations
Don't be afraid to use 'reisen' in your conversations. Ask others about their travel plans ('Wohin reist du?') or share your own desires ('Ich möchte gerne reisen.'). The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Practice the 'R' Sound
The German 'r' sound can be tricky. Practice the guttural sound made in the back of your throat. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate it when saying 'reisen'.
Understand Travel's Importance
Recognize that travel is a significant part of German culture. Understanding this context will help you better grasp why 'reisen' is such a frequently used and important verb.
Differentiate 'reisen' and 'fahren'
Remember that 'fahren' is for travel by vehicle, while 'reisen' is more general. Use 'fahren' for everyday commutes by car or train, and 'reisen' for holidays or longer journeys.
Create Mnemonics
Use memory aids like associating 'reisen' with 'Ray' traveling or 'raising' your spirits through travel. Visualizing a traveler with a suitcase can also help cement the word in your memory.
Write About Your Dream Trip
Write a short paragraph in German about where you would like to travel, why, and how you would get there. Use the verb 'reisen' and related vocabulary.
Learn Travel Idioms
Familiarize yourself with common travel-related idioms like 'die Welt bereisen' (to travel the world) or 'Reisefieber bekommen' (to get travel fever) to sound more natural.
Listen to Travel Content
Watch German travel vlogs, listen to German podcasts about travel, or read travel blogs. This immersion will expose you to how 'reisen' is used naturally in various contexts.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named 'Ray' who loves to travel. 'Ray's 'en'dless trips around the world! Ray-sen. Or think of 'raising' your spirits by traveling. 'Raise' your sights, 'sen'd yourself places.
Visual Association
Picture a person with a suitcase and a passport, looking excited to go somewhere. Connect the sound 'rai-sen' to the image of someone 'raising' their hand to wave goodbye as they embark on a journey.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'reisen' in at least three different sentences today, describing where you would like to travel, where you have traveled, or why you like to travel.
Word Origin
The German verb 'reisen' originates from the Middle High German word 'reisen' or 'rīsen', which meant 'to move quickly', 'to hasten', or 'to flow'. This, in turn, comes from the Old High German 'rīsōn' meaning 'to rush' or 'to move'.
Original meaning: The original sense was more about rapid movement or rushing, which evolved to encompass the broader idea of undertaking a journey.
GermanicCultural Context
When discussing travel, be mindful of different socioeconomic backgrounds. While many Germans enjoy extensive travel, not everyone has the same opportunities or financial means to 'reisen' frequently or to distant locations.
In English-speaking cultures, 'travel' is also a very common and valued activity. Similar to Germany, people often discuss holidays, plan trips, and see travel as a way to gain new experiences and perspectives.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Holiday planning
- Wohin möchtest du reisen?
- Wir wollen im Sommer nach Spanien reisen.
- Ich träume davon, ans Meer zu reisen.
Discussing past trips
- Wir sind letztes Jahr nach Italien gereist.
- Hast du schon einmal dort gereist?
- Wie war deine Reise?
Business travel
- Er muss oft für die Arbeit reisen.
- Ich reise nächste Woche nach Berlin.
- Die Geschäftsreise war erfolgreich.
Expressing wanderlust
- Ich möchte gerne mehr reisen.
- Die Welt ist so groß, ich will sie bereisen.
- Ich habe Fernweh und möchte reisen.
Mode of transport
- Wir reisen mit dem Zug.
- Ich reise lieber mit dem Auto.
- Sie reist mit dem Flugzeug.
Conversation Starters
"Was ist dein absolutes Traumreiseziel, wohin möchtest du unbedingt reisen?"
"Wenn du nur noch an einen Ort reisen könntest, welcher wäre das und warum?"
"Erinnerst du dich an deine erste große Reise? Erzähl mal!"
"Reist du lieber alleine oder mit Freunden/Familie? Was sind die Vor- und Nachteile?"
"Welche Art zu reisen bevorzugst du: Abenteuerurlaub, Städtetrip oder Entspannung am Strand?"
Journal Prompts
Beschreibe deine letzte Reise. Wohin bist du gereist, was hast du erlebt und was hast du gelernt?
Stell dir vor, du könntest jetzt sofort irgendwohin reisen. Wo wärst du und was würdest du dort tun?
Was bedeutet Reisen für dich? Warum ist es dir wichtig, zu reisen?
Wenn du eine Weltreise machen könntest, welche drei Orte würdest du unbedingt besuchen wollen und warum?
Welche Reiseziele stehen auf deiner 'Bucket List' und welche Art von Erlebnissen erhoffst du dir dort?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe main difference lies in the specificity of the mode of transport. 'Fahren' is used when traveling by a vehicle (car, train, bus, bike), focusing on the act of operating or being transported by that vehicle. 'Reisen' is a more general term for undertaking a journey, often over longer distances or for leisure, and can be by any means. For example, you 'fahren' to the next town, but you 'reisen' to another country for a holiday.
'Reisen' is a verb of motion and change of location, so it uses 'sein' as its auxiliary verb in the perfect tenses (Perfekt and Plusquamperfekt). The correct form is 'Ich bin gereist', not 'Ich habe gereist'.
While 'reisen' can technically refer to any journey, it's more commonly used for longer trips, holidays, or significant journeys. For short trips, especially within the same town or city, verbs like 'fahren' (if by vehicle) or 'gehen' (if walking) are often more natural. However, if the short trip is intended as a mini-vacation or exploration, 'reisen' can still be appropriate.
'Reisen' is the verb itself, meaning 'to travel'. 'Eine Reise machen' is a common idiomatic expression that uses the noun 'die Reise' (trip/journey) and means 'to make a trip' or 'to take a journey'. Both are functionally very similar and often interchangeable when talking about taking trips.
No, 'reisen' can refer to any kind of journey. While it's frequently used for holidays and leisure travel, it's also used for business trips ('Geschäftsreise'), educational journeys ('Bildungsreise'), or any significant movement from one place to another for a purpose.
Common destinations include cities (e.g., Berlin, Paris, Rome), countries (e.g., Spain, Italy, USA), continents (e.g., Europe, Asia), and natural locations (e.g., the mountains, the sea). People often 'reisen' in den Bergen (in the mountains), ans Meer (to the sea), or in die Stadt (to the city).
The most common word for 'traveler' is 'der Reisende' (masculine) or 'die Reisende' (feminine/plural). It's derived from the verb 'reisen'.
No, 'reisen' is not used for moving house. For moving house, you would use verbs like 'umziehen' or 'auswandern' (if moving to another country permanently).
'Reisefieber' literally translates to 'travel fever'. It describes the feeling of excitement, anticipation, and sometimes a bit of nervousness or anxiety that people experience before going on a trip.
Yes, for example, 'fliegen' means 'to fly', 'wandern' means 'to hike', and 'schiffen' means 'to sail'. These verbs specify the mode of travel, whereas 'reisen' is the general term.
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Summary
The German verb 'reisen' is fundamental for expressing the concept of 'to travel'. It covers journeys of various lengths and purposes, from short trips to extensive explorations. Remember its conjugation and its use of 'sein' in the perfect tense.
- Reisen means 'to travel' in German.
- It's a common verb for journeys and holidays.
- Used for moving from one place to another.
- Uses 'sein' as the auxiliary verb in the perfect tense.
Expand Your Travel Vocabulary
Beyond 'reisen', learn related words like 'Urlaub' (holiday), 'Ziel' (destination), 'Flugzeug' (airplane), 'Zug' (train), 'Hotel', and 'Sehenswürdigkeit' (sight). This will allow you to describe your travel experiences more fully.
Master the Perfect Tense
Since 'reisen' uses 'sein' in the perfect tense, practice forming sentences like 'Ich bin nach Berlin gereist.' and 'Wir sind letztes Jahr nach Spanien gereist.' This is crucial for talking about past journeys.
Use 'reisen' in Conversations
Don't be afraid to use 'reisen' in your conversations. Ask others about their travel plans ('Wohin reist du?') or share your own desires ('Ich möchte gerne reisen.'). The more you use it, the more natural it will become.
Practice the 'R' Sound
The German 'r' sound can be tricky. Practice the guttural sound made in the back of your throat. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate it when saying 'reisen'.
Example
Wir möchten nächstes Jahr nach Italien reisen.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More travel words
abbiegen
A2to turn in a different direction
Abendmahl
B1The main meal of the day, eaten in the evening; dinner.
Abenteuer
B1adventure
abenteuerlich
B1adventurous
Abfahren
A1To depart, to leave (by vehicle).
Abfahrt
A1departure (act of leaving)
abfliegen
A2To depart by plane; to take off.
Abflug
A1The act of an aircraft taking off from an airport.
Abreise
B1departure; the act of leaving a place
abreisen
B1To depart for a journey, to leave
