Veilchen
/ˈfaɪ̯lçən/
The English word violet can be translated into German as Veilchen.
Veilchen is used as a noun to refer to both the violet flower and the color violet. If you wish to describe something as having a bluish-purple color, you should use the adjective violett. Other color variations include Helllila (light violet), Dunkellila (dark violet) and Lavendelfarben (lavender).
Meaning: colour (noun)
Which one should you use?
The noun Veilchen can refer to the flower or the color itself, whereas the adjective violett is specifically used to describe the color.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Veilchen is a neuter noun, which means it uses the article das in the singular form. The plural form of the word is identical to the singular, so die Veilchen is used to mean the violets.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈfaɪ̯lçən/
Did you know?
- In German, if someone is described as ein Veilchen ('a violet'), it means they are extremely shy or modest.
- The word violett is used for the official color name, but in everyday conversation, Germans almost always use lila to describe anything purple or violet.
- The word Veilchen is a diminutive, meaning the standard German word for the flower is literally 'little violet'.
Examples in context
- Das Veilchen ist violett.The violet is violet.This sentence uses Veilchen to show the relationship between the flower and the color.Tatoeba #10003960 by wolfgangth, translation #5257030 by solejar
- Das Fräulein ist bescheiden wie ein Veilchen.The young lady is modest like a violet.This sentence uses Veilchen as a simile for modesty.Tatoeba #955606 by Manfredo, translation #3657493 by kerbear407
- Ihr Kleid hatte einen violett schimmernden Stoff.Her dress was made of a fabric with a violet shimmer.
- Die königliche Robe war in einem edlen Purpur gehalten.The royal robe was made of a noble shade of violet.
Example conversation
Laura and Lukas are picking paint colours for a room.
- LauraWelche Farbe findest du besser?Which colour do you prefer?
- LukasIch finde Veilchen sehr schön.I think violet is very beautiful.
- LauraDas passt gut zu der Wand.That fits the wall well.
- LukasJa, nehmen wir Veilchen!Yes, let's take violet!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Veilchen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Veilchen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
