01
rot
red
Having the color of blood, ripe cherries, or fire.
example
Zum Geburtstag hat sie ein wunderschönes rotes Fahrrad bekommen.
For her birthday, she got a beautiful red bicycle.
rot
red
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Fixed expression
The combination 'rot werden' (to turn red) is a fixed expression and means that someone turns red in the face. This often happens from embarrassment, shame, or anger.
EXAMPLE
Immer wenn sie ein Kompliment bekommt, wird sie rot.
Whenever she gets a compliment, she turns red.
Used as a noun
In the context of traffic lights, 'rot' (red) is often used like a noun and capitalized. The fixed expressions are 'bei Rot anhalten' (to stop at a red light) or 'über Rot fahren' (to run a red light).
EXAMPLE
Es ist sehr gefährlich, bei Rot über die Ampel zu fahren.
It is very dangerous to go through a traffic light on red.
Financial meaning
The expression 'rote Zahlen schreiben' (to be in the red) means that a company is making losses. The color red here symbolizes a negative result or debt.
EXAMPLE
Nach einem schwierigen Jahr schreibt die Firma leider rote Zahlen.
After a difficult year, the company is unfortunately in the red.
Political meaning
The color 'rot' (red) is often used in politics as a symbol for left-wing, socialist, or social-democratic parties and ideas.
EXAMPLE
Bei der letzten Wahl hat die rote Partei die meisten Stimmen erhalten.
In the last election, the red party received the most votes.
The common thread
Another important expression is 'der rote Faden' (the common thread). It symbolizes a central theme or continuous structure in a story, presentation, or plan.
EXAMPLE
Der rote Faden in seinem Vortrag war die Bedeutung von Teamarbeit.
The common thread in his presentation was the importance of teamwork.
Compare with
rot vs links
left
'links' and 'rot' can both refer to a political direction. 'links' is the direct and neutral word for this political side. In this sense, 'rot' is more of an image or symbol, because the color red is often connected with socialism or communism. Politically, 'rot' is used more with parties, groups, or fixed political descriptions. The words can be confused because 'rot' of course also simply means a color. If you want to speak clearly about politics, 'links' is usually more precise. 'Rot' often needs a political context; otherwise, people first think of the color.
rot
In der Zeitung wird die Partei oft als rot beschrieben.
In the newspaper, the party is often described as red.
links
Im Gespräch sagte Max, dass er politisch eher links steht.
In the conversation, Max said that he is more left-wing politically.
In real life
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