lilac
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lilac
An ornamental shrub or small tree with strongly fragrant flower clusters, usually violet or white, that blooms in spring.
Im Mai duftet der Flieder im ganzen Garten.
In May, the lilac fills the whole garden with its fragrance.
lilac
A light, delicate shade of violet, named after the color of lilac blossoms. Often used as a noun for the color itself.
Die Wände sind in einem sanften Flieder gestrichen.
The walls are painted in a soft lilac.
To distinguish the meanings, pay attention to the context. Words like 'blühen' (to bloom), 'duften' (to be fragrant), or 'Strauch' (shrub) point to the plant, while words like 'Farbe' (color), 'Ton' (shade), or 'gestrichen' (painted) indicate the color shade.
Im Frühling blüht der Flieder vor unserem Fenster.
In spring, the lilac blooms in front of our window.
When 'Flieder' (lilac) refers to a color, it is often used like an adjective without declension, especially after a noun with the preposition 'in' (in).
Sie trägt ein Kleid in Flieder.
She is wearing a dress in lilac.
In connection with the plant, you often hear that the lilac 'blüht' (blooms) or 'duftet' (is fragrant). You can also pick or give someone 'einen Strauß Flieder' (a bouquet of lilacs).
Der Flieder im Garten duftet wunderbar.
The lilac in the garden smells wonderful.
purple
Lila is the general term for a light violet shade. As a color name, Flieder refers to a particularly light and delicate shade reminiscent of lilac blossoms. Use lila for the general color and Flieder for the more precise color description.
Mara kauft den Pullover in einem zarten Flieder.
Mara buys the sweater in a delicate lilac.
Mara kauft den Pullover in einem kräftigen Lila.
Mara buys the sweater in a vivid purple.
