verb
to smell
A1
Riechen means "to smell" — perceive odors or emit an odor. It's a strong (irregular) verb: present stem riech-, Präteritum roch-, participle gerochen. Uses auxiliary haben. Non‑reflexive. Can also take object or be used with nach (riechen nach etwas) meaning "to smell of/like". Common everyday verb.
Examples
Nachdem der Koch das Gericht probierte, roch es so gut, dass die Gäste sofort bestellen wollten.
After the cook tasted the dish, it smelled so good that the guests wanted to order immediately.
Ich rieche die Blumen.
I smell the flowers.
Ich habe nichts gerochen.
I didn't smell anything.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture your nose sniffing and the word 'riechen' coming out as scent waves.
Sounds like 'reek' (English) which means to have a smell — riechen = to smell.
Notes
Can mean 'to smell' (actively sniff) or 'to give off a smell'. Past participle is irregular (gerochen).