verblassen
to fade
To lose the intensity of a color; to become paler or lighter.
EXAMPLE
Die alte Fotografie ist über die Jahre stark verblasst.
The old photograph has faded badly over the years.
verblassen
to fade
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Meanings
verblassen
to fade
To lose significance, clarity, or intensity. Often refers to memories, feelings, or fame.
EXAMPLE
Mit der Zeit verblasste die Erinnerung an ihre erste große Liebe.
Over time, the memory of her first great love faded.
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb is made up of the prefix 'ver-' and the adjective 'blass' (pale). The prefix 'ver-' here describes a change or a disappearance. 'Verblassen' (to fade) therefore literally means 'to become pale.' It is an inseparable verb.
EXAMPLE
Die Schrift auf dem alten Dokument ist kaum noch lesbar, sie ist stark verblasst.
The writing on the old document is barely legible anymore; it has faded badly.
Auxiliary verb 'sein'
Since 'verblassen' (to fade) describes a change of state, the perfect tense is always formed with the auxiliary verb 'sein' (to be). So it is 'ist verblasst' (has faded) and not 'hat verblasst'.
EXAMPLE
Die leuchtenden Farben des T-Shirts sind nach dem Waschen verblasst.
The bright colors of the T-shirt have faded after washing.
Context clue
The subject of the sentence reveals the meaning. If it is something concrete with color (photo, fabric, ink), the literal meaning is meant. With abstract subjects (memory, fame, feeling), the figurative meaning is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die rote Farbe an der Hauswand verblasst langsam in der Sonne.
The red paint on the house wall is slowly fading in the sun.
Compare with
verblassen vs verwischen
to smudge / blur
For memories, “verblassen” means that their strength or vividness decreases. “Sich verwischen” means that their outlines and details become unclear. A memory can therefore fade while its specific details, in particular, become blurred.
verblassen
Mit den Jahren verblasste ihre Erinnerung an die Reise.
Over the years, her memory of the trip faded.
verwischen
Mit den Jahren verwischten sich in ihrer Erinnerung die Einzelheiten der Reise.
Over the years, the details of the trip became blurred in her memory.
In real life
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