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gelblich
yellowish
Having a slightly yellow color or a color tending toward yellow.
example
Die Blätter des Baumes bekamen im Herbst eine gelbliche Färbung.
The leaves of the tree took on a yellowish color in autumn.
gelblich
yellowish
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word formation with -lich
The ending '-lich' weakens the color and means 'a little' or '-ish' in English. 'Gelblich' (yellowish) is therefore not intensely yellow, but only has a slight yellow tone.
EXAMPLE
Das alte Foto hatte einen gelblichen Schimmer.
The old photo had a yellowish shimmer.
Context: discoloration
'Gelblich' (yellowish) is often used to describe an unwanted or unclear discoloration, for example with old papers, teeth, or as a symptom of an illness.
EXAMPLE
Wenn die Haut des Babys gelblich wird, sollten Sie zum Arzt gehen.
If the baby's skin becomes yellowish, you should see a doctor.
Typical collocations
Common nouns described with 'gelblich' (yellowish) are 'Licht' (light), 'Flüssigkeit' (liquid), 'Schleim' (mucus), or 'Flecken' (spots/stains).
EXAMPLE
Durch das Fenster fiel nur ein gelbliches Licht.
Only a yellowish light fell through the window.
Compare with
gelblich vs gelb
yellow
'gelb' and 'gelblich' both describe a color in the yellow range. You use 'gelb' when the color is clearly and distinctly yellow. 'gelblich' means that something is only somewhat yellow or tends toward yellow. The word often fits when the color is mixed, weak, or not completely clear. The words can be confused because both have to do with yellow. Remember: 'gelb' is clearly yellow; 'gelblich' is only a little yellow.
gelblich
Das Wasser im Glas sieht nicht klar aus, sondern leicht gelblich.
The water in the glass does not look clear, but slightly yellowish.
gelb
In der Küche sind die Bananen heute schon richtig gelb.
In the kitchen, the bananas are already really yellow today.
In real life
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