adverb
purely, inside, absolutely
A2
Rein is an adverb meaning mainly 'purely', 'inside' or 'absolutely' used for emphasis. It expresses degree or exclusivity (e.g. rein theoretisch). It has no conjugation, doesn't require a particular preposition, and functions as an intensifying/degree adverb. Common in colloquial and formal contexts.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.EXAMPLES
Die Mitarbeiter gingen rein, als der Chef die Tür öffnete.
The employees went inside when the boss opened the door.
Ich habe rein gar nichts verstanden.
I absolutely didn't understand a thing.
Das ist rein theoretisch.
That's purely theoretical.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.DETAILS_LABEL
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.MNEMONICS
Picture a stamp reading 'REIN' on a bottle of water to show it's pure.
Sounds a bit like English 'rain' — imagine rain washing things pure/clean.
VOCABULARY.DETAILS.NOTES
Rein has several uses: as a degree adverb meaning 'purely' (Das ist rein theoretisch), as a local/imperative meaning 'in/inside' (Komm rein), and as an intensifier in colloquial phrases (rein gar nichts = absolutely nothing). It is common in both neutral and colloquial contexts; be careful not to confuse it with the adjective 'rein' (pure, clean) used attributively.