coloring / colors
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coloring
The particular character, stamp, or (political) orientation of a person, group, or thing. It is usually used figuratively in elevated language.
Die Zeitung ist für ihre konservative Couleur bekannt.
The newspaper is known for its conservative coloring.
colors
The specific colors of a student fraternity, worn as a sash and cap and symbolizing membership.
Bei der Veranstaltung trugen alle Mitglieder die Couleur ihrer Verbindung.
At the event, all members wore the colors of their fraternity.
suit
An outdated or technical term, for example in card games, for Farbe (color/suit).
Beim Kartenspiel muss man, wenn möglich, eine Karte der gleichen Couleur zugeben.
In the card game, if possible, you have to play a card of the same suit.
'Couleur' is a word from French, which explains its unusual spelling and pronunciation. It originally means 'Farbe' (color).
Er ist ein Politiker von unklarer Couleur.
He is a politician of unclear coloring.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about politics or opinions, it refers to orientation. In connection with students and universities, it means the colors of a fraternity. In card games, it means the card suit.
Journalisten jeglicher Couleur waren anwesend.
Journalists of every political stripe were present.
In the meaning 'politische Ausrichtung' (political orientation) or 'Prägung' (character/stamp), the word belongs to elevated written language. It is rarely used in normal everyday conversation.
Das Festival zog ein Publikum unterschiedlichster Couleur an.
The festival attracted an audience of the most varied coloring.
This meaning is specific to the context of traditional student fraternities in the German-speaking world. Here, 'Couleur' is an important symbol of identity and belonging.
Beim Stiftungsfest war das Tragen von Couleur Pflicht.
At the anniversary celebration, wearing colors was mandatory.
color / paint
Farbe generally describes how something looks, such as red or blue. Couleur, on the other hand, refers to the specific colors of a student fraternity, which show its members' affiliation. When you are talking only about the color, Farbe is the right word; when it is a fraternity symbol, Couleur is more precise.
Die Mitglieder trugen ihre Couleur als Band und Mütze.
The members wore their fraternity colors as a sash and cap.
Die Farbe des Bandes ist ein kräftiges Blau.
The color of the sash is a vivid blue.
