01
azur
azure
Describes a bright, sky-blue color.
example
Das Meer leuchtete unter der Mittagssonne beinahe azur.
The sea shone almost azure under the midday sun.
azur
azure
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Meanings
Usage tips
Register and style
'Azur' (azure) is a poetic and elevated word. In normal everyday language, people would more likely say 'himmelblau' (sky-blue) or 'leuchtend blau' (bright blue). You find it mainly in literature or descriptive texts.
EXAMPLE
Sie träumte von einer Reise an das azurblaue Mittelmeer.
She dreamed of a trip to the azure-blue Mediterranean.
Sentence structure and usage
The adjective is often used predicatively (e.g., 'Der Himmel ist azur' — the sky is azure). When it stands before a noun, it is declined: 'der azurne Himmel' (the azure sky). The compound 'azurblau' (azure-blue) is also very common.
EXAMPLE
Über uns wölbte sich der azurne Himmel.
The azure sky arched above us.
Typical collocations
'Azur' (azure) is used almost exclusively to describe the sky or water (the sea, a lake). These combinations are classic and sound very vivid.
EXAMPLE
Der Himmel über der Karibik war von einem tiefen Azur.
The sky over the Caribbean was a deep azure.
Compare with
azur vs blau
blue
'blau' and 'azur' both describe a blue color. 'Blau' is the normal, general word for this color and fits in almost all everyday situations. 'Azur' means a bright, clear sky blue and sounds much more elevated or poetic. You are more likely to find it in descriptions of the sky, the sea, clothing, or art. Learners may confuse the words because 'azur' is a type of blue. In everyday language, 'blau' is almost always more natural; use 'azur' when you want to emphasize the particular light, bright shade.
azur
Über dem Strand leuchtete der Himmel azur.
Above the beach, the sky shone azure.
blau
Für das Bewerbungsgespräch zieht Paul ein blaues Hemd an.
Paul wears a blue shirt to the job interview.
In real life
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