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grünlich
greenish
Having a slight, not purely green coloration; tending toward green.
example
Das Wasser des Sees schimmerte in der Sonne grünlich.
The water of the lake shimmered greenish in the sun.
grünlich
greenish
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Meanings
Usage tips
Meaning of the suffix '-lich'
The suffix '-lich' weakens the meaning of the base word 'grün' (green). 'Grünlich' (greenish) does not mean that something is completely green, but only that it has a green tint or shimmer.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Stoß hatte er eine grünliche Stelle am Arm.
After the blow, he had a greenish spot on his arm.
Pattern with colors
The suffix '-lich' is used very often with colors to describe an indefinite or mixed shade. Other examples are 'rötlich' (reddish), 'bläulich' (bluish), or 'gelblich' (yellowish).
EXAMPLE
Der Himmel färbte sich am Abend rötlich.
In the evening, the sky turned reddish.
Typical collocations
'Grünlich' (greenish) is often used to describe the color of liquids, light, or surfaces. Typical combinations are 'grünlicher Schimmer' (greenish shimmer), 'grünliches Wasser' (greenish water), or 'grünliche Flüssigkeit' (greenish liquid).
EXAMPLE
Aus dem alten Rohr tropfte eine grünliche Flüssigkeit.
A greenish liquid dripped from the old pipe.
Compare with
grünlich vs grün
green
'grün' and 'grünlich' both describe a color in the range of green. You use 'grün' when something clearly has this color. 'grünlich' means that something looks only a little green or is not really green. The word often fits when the color is mixed, weak, or hard to name exactly. The words can be confusing because both refer to a similar color. In practice: if the color is clear, you say 'grün'; if it only tends slightly toward green, you say 'grünlich'.
grünlich
Nach dem Regen hatte das Wasser im Teich eine grünliche Farbe.
After the rain, the water in the pond had a greenish color.
grün
Im Frühling werden die Bäume im Park wieder grün.
In spring, the trees in the park turn green again.
In real life
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