01
weiß
white
Having the color of snow or milk; the lightest of all colors.
example
Die Wände sind frisch weiß gestrichen.
The walls have been freshly painted white.
weiß
white
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Common mistake
The adjective 'weiß' (white; color) is pronounced the same as the verb form 'weiß' (know; from 'wissen'). Pay attention to the spelling and the context so you don't confuse them.
EXAMPLE
Das Papier ist weiß.
The paper is white.
Typical use
In the meaning 'blass' (pale), 'weiß' (white/pale) is often used with verbs such as 'werden' (to become) or 'sein' (to be) and together with 'im Gesicht' (in the face). It describes a visible physical reaction.
EXAMPLE
Er wurde plötzlich ganz weiß im Gesicht.
His face suddenly went completely pale.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'eine weiße Weste haben' (to have a clean record; literally, to have a white vest) is a fixed unit. It means that someone is innocent or that nothing can be proven against them.
EXAMPLE
Er behauptet, in der ganzen Sache eine weiße Weste zu haben.
He claims to have a clean record in the whole matter.
Register and style
The expression 'weiße Ware' (white goods) is a technical term from commerce. It is used specifically for large household appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines.
EXAMPLE
Die Abteilung für weiße Ware befindet sich im Untergeschoss.
The white goods department is located in the basement.
Compare with
weiß vs schwarz
black
'schwarz' and 'weiß' are color words and form a very clear contrast. 'Schwarz' is the darkest color; 'weiß' is the lightest color. Both are often used together when you want to show strong differences, for example in clothing, pictures, or paper. Learners may confuse them because both are very basic colors and are often learned as an opposite pair. Memory tip: black is like night or coal; white is like snow or milk.
weiß
Für die Feier kauft Anna ein weißes Kleid.
Anna buys a white dress for the celebration.
schwarz
Auf dem Foto ist der Hund fast ganz schwarz.
In the photo, the dog is almost completely black.
In real life
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