Reich
/raɪ̯ç/noun
A German word meaning kingdom, realm, or empire; historically also used in state names like the German Reich.
Did you know?*Reich* comes from the same ancient root as English **rich**, because both go back to a Proto-Germanic word for “powerful, ruling, wealthy” — wealth was once literally a sign of rule.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*reg-
“to move in a straight line; to rule, lead”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*rīkijaz
“powerful, ruling; realm, dominion”
Old High German
OHG
rihhi
“kingdom, realm, powerful”
Middle High German
MHG
rīche
“realm, empire; also wealthy, powerful”
Modern German
German
Reich
“realm, empire, state”