rosa
/ˈʁoːza/
The English word pink can be translated into German as rosa or pink.
Meaning: colored/coloured between red and white (adj)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA |
|---|---|
| rosa | /ˈʁoːza/ (Germany) /ˈʁoːsa/ |
| pink | /pɪŋk/ |
Both terms describe the color between red and white. If you need to specify the shade, use hellrosa for light pink and dunkelrosa for dark pink. Related to this color, the noun Rosa refers to the pale red color, while the noun Nelke refers to the flower known as a pink/carnation.
Which one should you use?
While both words mean pink, pink often refers to a more vibrant, saturated or 'hot' pink, whereas rosa is used for lighter, paler shades.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form rosa is considered informal.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun referring to the color itself, Rosa is capitalized. Similarly, when the word pink is used as a noun referring to the color, it is also capitalized.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʁoːza/
Did you know?
- Unlike most German adjectives, rosa is often indeclinable, meaning it does not change its ending to match the gender or case of the noun it describes.
- The word rosa is actually an adjective derived from the Latin word for 'rose', which is why it feels more classic and less modern than pink.
- Because pink is a relatively recent import from English, it carries a more modern, international feel than the Latin-based rosa.
Examples in context
- Die Rose ist rosa.The rose is pink.This sentence shows how to use rosa as an adjective.Tatoeba #1550386 by Zaghawa, translation #1417588 by marcelostockle
- Tom trägt nie Pink.Tom never wears pink.This sentence shows how to use pink as a noun.Tatoeba #4018459 by pullnosemans, translation #3922948 by CK
- Rosa ist für Mädchen.Pink is for girls.This sentence shows how to use rosa as a noun.Tatoeba #3222884 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #3222491 by Hybrid
- Ich habe einen wunderschönen rosa Pullover gekauft.I bought a beautiful pink sweater.
- Die Farbe Rosa sieht in diesem Raum sehr gut aus.The color pink looks really good in this room.
- Meine Freundin liebt pink.My girlfriend loves pink.
- Die Wände hier sind pink angestrichen.The walls here are painted pink.
- Ich mag das Rosa dieses KleidesI like the pink of this dress.
- 100 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julian and Julia are looking at a new dress in a shop.
- JulianIst das Kleid nicht toll in rosa?Isn't that dress great in pink?
- JuliaJa, die Farbe ist wirklich schön.Yes, the color is really beautiful.
- JulianEs steht dir bestimmt gut.It will surely look good on you.
- JuliaVielleicht probiere ich es mal an.Maybe I'll try it on.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pink” translations and entries rosa, pink, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pink, rosa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
