01
die Haarfarbe
hair color
The natural color of a person’s or animal’s hair, or the color changed by dyeing.
example
Sie hat eine sehr seltene natürliche Haarfarbe.
She has a very rare natural hair color.
die Haarfarbe
hair color
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is very transparently made up of 'das Haar' (hair) and 'die Farbe' (color). It can refer both to the color of the hair and to the product used to dye the hair.
EXAMPLE
Ihre neue Haarfarbe steht ihr wirklich gut.
Her new hair color really suits her.
Typical collocations
When talking about the color on someone’s head, people often speak of a 'natürliche' (natural), 'helle' (light), or 'dunkle' (dark) hair color. You can also say 'seine Haarfarbe ändern' (to change one's hair color) or 'eine neue Haarfarbe haben' (to have a new hair color).
EXAMPLE
Er hat von Natur aus eine sehr dunkle Haarfarbe.
He naturally has a very dark hair color.
Context clue
The verb usually tells you whether the color on the head or the product is meant. If someone 'hat' eine Haarfarbe (has a hair color), it is the color of the hair. If someone 'kauft' (buys), 'benutzt' (uses), or 'aufträgt' (applies) eine Haarfarbe, the product is meant.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe rote Haare.
I have red hair.
Compare with
Haarfarbe vs Farbe
color / paint
'die Farbe' and 'die Haarfarbe' are closely related because a hair color is a specific color of hair. 'Farbe' is the general word: it can mean red, blue, or green, but also a substance used for painting or coloring. 'Haarfarbe' is more specific and refers only to hair, or to a product for dyeing hair. Learners may confuse the words because both can also mean a substance used for coloring. If it is not about hair, you say 'Farbe'. If it is about blond, brown, or dyed hair, 'Haarfarbe' is more precise.
Haarfarbe
Lenas neue Haarfarbe sieht sehr natürlich aus.
Lena's new hair color looks very natural.
Farbe
Für das Kinderzimmer sucht Julian eine helle Farbe aus.
Julian is choosing a light paint for the children's room.
In real life
Loading video examples...