to discolor
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to change color
To change one's own color. This can be a natural process (e.g., leaves in autumn, the face during emotions) or an unintended result (e.g., clothes discolored in the wash).
Die Blätter des Ahorns verfärben sich im Herbst leuchtend rot.
The maple leaves change color to a bright red in autumn.
to discolor
To cause something to take on a different, usually unwanted color.
Die rote Socke hat die ganze weiße Wäsche rosa verfärbt.
The red sock discolored all the white laundry pink.
The verb is derived from the noun 'die Farbe' (color). The prefix 'ver-' here describes the process of a color change that is often complete or unwanted.
Pass auf, dass die neue Jeans die anderen Kleidungsstücke nicht verfärbt.
Be careful that the new jeans don't discolor the other clothes.
Pay attention to the difference: 'sich verfärben' (to change color) means that something changes its own color. 'Etwas verfärben' (to discolor something) means that something colors another object.
Sein Gesicht verfärbte sich vor Wut.
His face changed color with anger.
When something 'sich verfärbt' (changes color), it often happens in specific situations: leaves in autumn, the sky at sunset, the face during strong emotions, or laundry during washing.
Als sie die schlechte Nachricht hörte, verfärbte sich ihr Gesicht.
When she heard the bad news, her face changed color.
