01
grün
green
Describes the color of grass or leaves; one of the three primary colors in additive color mixing.
example
Im Frühling werden alle Wiesen wieder saftig grün.
In spring, all the meadows turn lush green again.
grün
green
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
Other words are derived from the adjective 'grün' (green), for example the noun 'das Grün' (the color green or plants/greenery) or the verb 'ergrünen' (to turn green).
EXAMPLE
Im Frühling ergrünen die Bäume wieder.
In spring, the trees turn green again.
Fixed expression
Besides the traffic light meaning, there is the fixed expression 'grünes Licht geben' (to give the green light). This means to grant permission or approval for a project or action.
EXAMPLE
Die Chefin hat uns grünes Licht für das neue Projekt gegeben.
The boss gave us the green light for the new project.
Context: unripe fruit
In this meaning, 'grün' (green) is used almost exclusively for fruit and vegetables. It describes the state before ripeness.
EXAMPLE
Diese Erdbeeren sind noch ganz grün, die kann man noch nicht essen.
These strawberries are still completely green; you can't eat them yet.
Metaphorical meaning
The color green is often used metaphorically for nature and environmental protection. People then speak of 'grüner Energie' (green energy), 'grünen Technologien' (green technologies), or 'grünen Produkten' (green products).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen wirbt damit, nur noch grüne Energie zu nutzen.
The company advertises that it now uses only green energy.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'noch grün hinter den Ohren sein' (to still be green behind the ears) describes a person who is very young, naive, and inexperienced. It is often used in a slightly mocking way.
EXAMPLE
Als ich meine erste Stelle antrat, war ich noch ziemlich grün hinter den Ohren.
When I started my first job, I was still pretty green behind the ears.
Political context
In a political context, 'grün' (Green) refers to the party 'Bündnis 90/Die Grünen' or its political content. For example, one can say 'grün wählen' (to vote Green) or speak of 'grüner Politik' (Green politics).
EXAMPLE
Die neue Regierung hat viele grüne Themen im Programm.
The new government has many Green issues in its program.
Compare with
grün vs frei
free
'frei' and 'grün' can seem similar in traffic because both can mean that you are allowed to keep driving or walking. 'grün' is used especially for a traffic light or signal. 'frei' more often describes that the way, road, or a space is not blocked or not occupied. Learners may confuse the words because a green traffic light means freie Fahrt (clear to go). Still, you normally say: 'Die Ampel ist grün' (the traffic light is green). And you say: 'Die Straße' or 'der Parkplatz ist frei' (the road or the parking space is clear/available).
grün
Als die Ampel grün wurde, fuhr Finn langsam los.
When the traffic light turned green, Finn slowly drove off.
frei
Der Platz vor der Garage ist frei, du kannst dort parken.
The space in front of the garage is available; you can park there.
In real life
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