Tannenreis

[dcig]

Hi,

I can't find the meaning of this word in any dictionary. It is from a Fontane quotation: '... wie ein richtig behandeltes Tannenreis von selbst zu einer graden und untadeligen Tanne aufwaechst'

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Sowka]

Hello dcig

Welcome to the German forum!

"Reis" is an old word for "Zweig", thus "twig". So, "Tannenreis" is a fir twig. This word "Reis" is neuter, whereas the "Reis" that is "rice" is masculine.

Ich koche den Reis.
Ich stelle das Birkenreis in die Vase.

Edit: I found a related thread, about "Reisig". Das Reisig is a group/bundle/number of twigs, whereas das Reis is the single one.

 

[dcig]

Thanks a lot!