Riechen Translations, meanings and synonyms

"Riechen" is used as verb with the meaning of "to smell", "to sniff" or "to reek".

Essential properties of "riechen"

Its most important properties are:

Properties

Infinitive: riechen
Simple past: roch
Participle: gerochen

irregulartransitiveintransitive

Note: These properties are not absolute. A transitive verb can be used intransitively and vice versa depending on context, and many verbs can be used reflexively even though they are not primarily reflexive.

Meanings of "riechen" + more translations, synonyms and antonyms

It has the meanings and uses detailed below:

1.) "To perceive odors"

Definition: "To perceive odors through the sense of smell."
Translation(s): to smell, to sniff
Synonym(s): duften, stinken
Related word(s): Geruch, Nase

📝 Some usage examples:

Ich kann das Essen schon im Flur riechen.I can already smell the food in the hallway.
Blumen riechen immer so gut im Frühling.Flowers always smell so good in spring.
Der Hund kann das Fleisch von weitem riechen.The dog can smell the meat from afar.

2.) "To emit an odor"

Definition: "To give off an odor."
Translation(s): to smell, to reek, to stink, to give off a smell
Synonym(s): duften, stinken
Related word(s): Duft, Gestank

📝 Some usage examples:

Der Müll riecht schrecklich.The trash smells terrible.
Die Blumen riechen wunderbar.The flowers smell wonderful.
Das Parfüm riecht sehr intensiv.The perfume smells very intense.

3.) "To detect something by smell"

Definition: "To become aware of something through smell."
Translation(s): to smell, to detect by smell
Synonym(s): erschnuppern, wittern
Related word(s): Wahrnehmung, Erkennen

📝 Some usage examples:

Der Hund riecht Gefahr.The dog smells danger.
Sie riecht, dass etwas nicht stimmt.She smells that something is wrong.
Er riecht den Rauch aus der Küche.He smells the smoke from the kitchen.

4.) "To possess a particular scent"

Definition: "To have a specific smell."
Translation(s): to smell of, to reek of, to have a smell
Synonym(s): duften, stinken
Related word(s): Duft, Geruch

📝 Some usage examples:

Die Küche riecht nach frischem Brot.The kitchen smells of fresh bread.
Das Zimmer riecht nach Farbe.The room smells of paint.
Seine Kleidung riecht nach Rauch.His clothes smell of smoke.

5.) "To suspect"

Definition: "To suspect something."
Translation(s): to suspect, to sense, to smell a rat
Synonym(s): ahnen, vermuten
Related word(s): Verdacht, Misstrauen

📝 Some usage examples:

Ich rieche, dass hier etwas nicht stimmt.I smell that something is wrong here.
Sie riecht die Gefahr.She smells the danger.
Er riecht Betrug.He smells fraud.

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