German word

grau

Pronunciation

IPA/gʁaʊ̯/

Meaning

  • adjectivegray

Example

Er trägt ein graues Hemd.

He is wearing a gray shirt.

Illustration for grau (gray)

More examples

Die Entscheidung liegt in einer grauen Zone.

The decision lies in a gray zone.

Core concept

A gray sky, garment, or surface with little contrast, extending naturally to a subdued or monotonous mood.

Common phrases

  • graues Hemd

    gray shirt

  • graue Zone

    gray zone

  • graue Maus

    wallflower

Similar words

hellgrau: A pale gray close to white, with a light and airy appearance.
dunkelgrau: A deep gray close to black, with a heavy and subdued appearance.

Definition in German

eine neutrale Farbe zwischen Schwarz und Weiß; oft kühl und unauffällig; kann bildlich Trübung oder Langeweile ausdrücken.

Word origin

The inherited Germanic adjective grau is related to English gray and developed through earlier German forms including Old High German grāo.

Usage tips

  • The expression grau in grau describes a uniformly drab or monotonous appearance rather than merely naming two gray objects.

Other meanings

  • dulladjective

Opposites

Related words

  • das Graugraynoun
  • der Grautongray tonenoun
  • grauhaariggray-hairedadjective

Word lists with this word