01
die Färbung
coloration
The specific shade or coloring of something.
example
Die Blätter des Ahorns bekommen im Herbst eine leuchtend rote Färbung.
The maple leaves take on a bright red coloration in autumn.
die Färbung
coloration / coloring
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Färbung' (coloration/dyeing) is the noun related to the verb 'färben' (to dye/color). The ending '-ung' can refer both to the process of dyeing and to the result, meaning the shade of color itself.
EXAMPLE
Die Färbung der Haare dauert etwa eine Stunde.
Dyeing the hair takes about an hour.
Context clue
You can recognize the figurative meaning when 'Färbung' (tone/tinge) is combined with abstract nouns such as 'Stimme' (voice), 'Aussage' (statement), or 'Diskussion' (discussion). In the literal meaning, it refers to the color of concrete objects such as fabrics or leaves.
EXAMPLE
Seine Stimme hatte eine traurige Färbung.
His voice had a sad tone.
Figurative meaning
In the figurative meaning, 'Färbung' (tone/tinge) is often used to describe an undertone. Typical combinations are 'eine ironische Färbung' (an ironic tone), 'eine politische Färbung' (a political slant), or 'eine persönliche Färbung' (a personal tone).
EXAMPLE
Die Diskussion bekam schnell eine sehr persönliche Färbung.
The discussion quickly took on a very personal tone.
Compare with
Färbung vs Farbe
color / paint
'Farbe' and 'Färbung' are closely related because both have to do with color. 'Farbe' is the normal word for red, blue, green, or also for the substance used for painting. 'Färbung' refers more to the exact shade, the way something looks colored, or the process of dyeing or coloring. The word sounds a bit more precise and often more factual. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases you are talking about colors. In everyday language, people usually ask: 'Welche Farbe hat das?' (What color is it?). When describing the special effect or change of a color, 'Färbung' fits better.
Färbung
Im Herbst fällt die rote Färbung der Blätter besonders auf.
In autumn, the red coloration of the leaves is especially noticeable.
Farbe
Die Farbe des neuen Sofas passt gut zu den hellen Wänden.
The color of the new sofa goes well with the light-colored walls.
In real life
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