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
die Färbung
dyeing
The process of dyeing; applying color to something.
EXAMPLE
Die Färbung des Stoffes mit natürlichen Pigmenten ist sehr aufwendig.
The dyeing of the fabric with natural pigments is very labor-intensive.
die Färbung
tone / tinge
A particular, often subtle note or characteristic feature that gives a statement, action, or situation a certain undertone.
EXAMPLE
Seine Entschuldigung hatte eine spürbar ironische Färbung.
His apology had a noticeably ironic tone.
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 färben
to dye / color
Färben refers to the activity of changing something with color. Die Färbung, by contrast, can refer to the process, but often also to the resulting color or coloration. Use färben when someone is performing the action, and die Färbung when you name the process or its result as a thing.
Färbung
Die Färbung von Annas Haaren wirkt nach der Behandlung besonders dunkel.
The coloration of Anna's hair looks especially dark after the treatment.
färben
Die Friseurin will Annas Haare heute dunkel färben.
The hairdresser wants to dye Anna's hair dark today.
In real life
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