grünes Licht
neuter
The German phrase for "green light" is grünes Licht.
The phrase is used to denote permission. It is most commonly used as part of the verbal collocation grünes Licht geben to mean granting permission or approval.
Meaning: permission (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the neuter adjective ending -es because Licht is a neuter noun and it is in the nominative or accusative case without a definite article. Note that if you are referring specifically to a traffic light, the word is Ampel, which is a feminine noun and uses the definite article die.
Did you know?
- While grünes Licht refers to permission, the physical traffic light is called die Ampel, which actually comes from the French word for a 'lamp' used in theater.
- While grünes Licht means permission, the opposite 'red light' rotes Licht is used not just for stopping, but often to describe a warning or a critical danger zone.
- The word Licht shares a common ancestor with the English word 'light', both descending from the Proto-Indo-European root '*lewk-' which refers to brightness or shining.
Examples in context
- Ein grünes Licht bedeutet „gehen“.A green light means go.This sentence shows how a green light signifies the command to go.Tatoeba #8244978 by MisterTrouser, translation #7962406 by shekitten
- Das Europäische Parlament gab grünes Licht für den Austritt Großbritanniens aus der Europäischen Union.The European Parliament gave the green light for Britain’s departure from the European Union.This sentence illustrates the use of the phrase regarding the European Parliament's approval of a political departure.Tatoeba #9037251 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #8500860 by Hybrid
- Ich bin nicht berechtigt, dir grünes Licht zu geben.I don't have the authority to give you the green light.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase in the context of authority to grant permission.Tatoeba #7153607 by raggione, translation #71072 by Shiawase
- Ist die Ampel grün?Is the traffic light green?
- Ja, die Ampel ist grün.Yes, the traffic light is green.
- Ja, die Ampel zeigt grün. Du kannst gehen.Yes, the traffic light shows green. You can go.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Hannah are discussing a new project at work.
- JulianHaben wir schon grünes Licht für das Projekt?Do we already have the green light for the project?
- HannahJa, der Chef hat grünes Licht gegeben.Yes, the boss gave the green light.
- JulianDas sind tolle Neuigkeiten für uns.That is great news for us.
- HannahWir können jetzt sofort anfangen.We can start immediately.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “green light” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Licht, licht, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
