A very large person or, figuratively, an exceptionally large or powerful being or thing.
Natural examples
Der Riese aus dem Märchen bewachte eine steinerne Brücke.
The giant in the fairy tale guarded a stone bridge.
Neben dem alten Baum wirkt das Haus wie ein Riese.
Beside the old tree, the house looks like a giant.
Das neue Rechenzentrum ist ein Riese unter den regionalen Anlagen.
The new data center is a giant among regional facilities.
Usage note
Riese is masculine: der Riese; plural Riesen. In fairy tales it often means a supernatural figure; figuratively it can describe something impressive.
Mini-lesson: Riese
A very large person or, figuratively, an exceptionally large or powerful being or thing. Riese is masculine: der Riese; plural Riesen. In fairy tales it often means a supernatural figure; figuratively it can describe something impressive.
Check your learning
Choose one answer.Which definition matches «Riese»?