01
golden
Having the color of gold; in a shiny shade of yellow.
example
Im Herbst färben sich die Blätter der Bäume golden.
In autumn, the leaves of the trees turn golden.
golden
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The adjective 'golden' (golden) is derived directly from the noun 'das Gold' (gold). The ending '-en' is often used to form an adjective from a material noun.
EXAMPLE
Er bekam zum Jubiläum eine goldene Uhr geschenkt.
He was given a gold watch for his anniversary.
Typical collocations (color)
When 'golden' (golden) describes a color, it is often used for natural phenomena or in poetic language. Typical combinations are 'goldenes Licht' (golden light), 'goldenes Haar' (golden hair), or 'goldene Blätter' (golden leaves).
EXAMPLE
Die Abendsonne tauchte die Landschaft in ein goldenes Licht.
The evening sun bathed the landscape in a golden light.
Typical collocations (material)
In the meaning 'aus Gold gemacht' (made of gold), 'golden' (gold) is combined with valuable objects, especially jewelry. Common examples are 'ein goldener Ring' (a gold ring), 'eine goldene Kette' (a gold necklace), or 'goldenes Besteck' (gold cutlery).
EXAMPLE
Die Braut trug eine wunderschöne goldene Kette.
The bride wore a beautiful gold necklace.
Typical collocations (figurative)
In the figurative meaning, 'golden' (golden) is connected with abstract nouns to mark something as especially positive or valuable. Well-known expressions are 'die goldene Regel' (the golden rule), 'goldene Zeiten' (golden times), or 'die goldene Mitte' (the happy medium).
EXAMPLE
Erinnerst du dich an die goldenen Zeiten unserer Jugend?
Do you remember the golden days of our youth?
Compare with
golden vs Gold
gold
'das Gold' and 'golden' are closely related because both can have to do with the precious metal, its color, or its value. 'das Gold' is a noun and means the metal itself, sometimes also the color shade or something very valuable. 'golden' is an adjective and describes something: it has the color of gold, is made of gold, or is especially beautiful or valuable in a figurative sense. Learners may confuse the words because they sound similar and appear in similar situations. As a practical rule: if you mean the material or the value itself, 'Gold' fits. If you are describing a quality, 'golden' fits.
golden
Am Morgen fällt goldenes Licht durch das Fenster.
In the morning, golden light falls through the window.
Gold
Der Ring ist aus Gold und gehört meiner Großmutter.
The ring is made of gold and belongs to my grandmother.
In real life
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