Reisen
/ˈʁaɪ̯sn̩/
The German word for travelling is Reisen.
Reisen refers to the action or concept of travelling. It is used to describe the activity itself as a noun.
Meaning: action of travelling (noun)
Which one should you use?
Use the capitalized Reisen when you are referring to the concept or activity as a noun. Use the lowercase reisen when you are using the word as a verb meaning 'to travel'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning 'the act of travelling', the word is neuter and is typically capitalized. The lowercase form reisen is the infinitive verb 'to travel'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁaɪ̯sn̩/
Did you know?
- German has a separate word for the feeling of longing for travel, Fernweh. While English 'homesickness' is a longing for home, Fernweh is a longing for far-off places.
- The verb reisen is a distant linguistic cousin to the English word 'rise'. It stems from an ancient root meaning to move or to get up.
- The word Reiseführer refers to both a travel guide book and a human tour guide. The word literally combines 'travel' and 'leader'.
Examples in context
- Ich bin am Reisen.I am travelling.This sentence shows the use of Reisen in a continuous sense.Tatoeba #11567268 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #6018102 by sundown
- Ich hasse es zu reisen.I hate travelling.This sentence shows how to use the verb form in relation to the word reisen.Tatoeba #5010045 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #5011974 by don_ramon
- Wozu ist das Reisen gut?What's the point of travelling?This sentence shows the noun form being used as the subject of a question.Tatoeba #2963297 by brauchinet, translation #11744309 by sundown
- Ich liebe das Reisen und entdecke gerne neue Länder und Kulturen.I love traveling and enjoy discovering new countries and cultures.
- Meine letzte Reise führte mich nach Deutschland, wo ich viele interessante Orte besucht habe.My last trip took me to Germany, where I visited many interesting places.
- Ich bin gerne unterwegs und erkunde neue Städte und Landschaften.I enjoy being on the road and exploring new cities and landscapes.
- Gute ReiseHave a good trip
- 62 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about their hobbies.
- LauraIch liebe das Reisen sehr.I love travelling very much.
- FelixDas Reisen ist oft sehr teuer.Travelling is often very expensive.
- LauraAber Reisen bringt uns neue Erfahrungen.But travelling brings us new experiences.
- FelixDa hast du recht, Laura.You are right about that, Laura.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Reisen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry reisen.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reisen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
