reiten
/ˈʁaɪ̯tən/
In German, the verb for to ride can be expressed as reiten or fahren depending on the context.
Meaning: to transport oneself by sitting on and directing a horse, bicycle etc. (verb)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| reiten | /ˈʁaɪ̯tən/ |
| fahren | /ˈfaːʁɛn/ |
The term for to ride describes transporting oneself by sitting on and directing an animal or a vehicle. The noun Fahrt refers to an instance of riding, while Fahrgeschäft is used to refer to amusement rides.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on what you are riding. Use reiten specifically for riding animals, such as a horse. Use fahren for riding in or on vehicles, such as cars, bicycles or trains.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaɪ̯tən/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using reiten when referring to riding a bicycle or a car. You must use fahren instead.
Did you know?
- The verb fahren can also be used to describe the movement of a sliding door or a curtain.
- The German word fahren is a distant relative of the English word 'fare' as in 'bus fare'.
- If you are 'riding' a wave in a surfing context, German does not use reiten or fahren, but rather uses the English loanword 'surfen'.
Examples in context
- Kann ich dich fahren?Do you need a ride?This sentence shows how to use fahren to ask if someone needs a ride.Tatoeba #7753717 by Hans07, translation #1096504 by CK
- Ich kann auch reiten.I can ride a horse, too.This sentence demonstrates using reiten to express the ability to ride a horse.Tatoeba #10215236 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #262361 by CK
- Kannst du noch reiten?Can you still ride a horse?This sentence shows how to use reiten when asking about the ability to ride a horse.Tatoeba #10168371 by wolfgangth, translation #6354057 by CK
- Darf ich um eine Fahrt bitten?May I request a ride?
- Ich möchte eine romantische Kutschfahrt machenI would like to have a romantic carriage ride.
- Können wir eine Fahrt machen?Can we go for a ride?
- Lass uns eine Ausfahrt machenLet's go for a ride.
- Lass uns einen kleinen Ritt machenLet's have a little ride.
- Lass uns am Wochenende einen Ausflug machen. Wir können eine schöne Fahrt ins Grüne unternehmen.Let's go on an outing this weekend. We can go for a nice ride in the countryside.
- Könntest du mich bitte zum Bahnhof mit dem Auto mitnehmen?Could you please give me a ride to the train station in your car?
- Wie wäre es mit einem Ritt? Es ist eine fantastische Möglichkeit, die Natur zu genießen.How about going for a ride? It's a fantastic way to enjoy nature.
- 138 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Laura are talking about their hobbies.
- MaximilianWillst du heute mit mir reiten?Do you want to go riding with me today?
- LauraJa, sehr gerne! Wo sind die Pferde?Yes, I'd love to! Where are the horses?
- MaximilianSie warten bereits im Stall.They are already waiting in the stable.
- LauraDann lass uns schnell losgehen, Laura!Then let's go quickly, Laura!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ride” translations and entries reiten, fahren, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fahren, reiten, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
