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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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.
In real life
Loading video examples...