In German
rot
Meaning: red
Example sentences
DieRoseistrot.
The rose is red.
IchhabeeinrotesAuto.
I have a red car.
DieAmpelistrot,wirmüssenwarten.
The traffic light is red, so we have to wait.
Grammar note
After “ist” it stays “rot”. Before a noun it takes an ending: “ein rotes Auto” (a red car). The ending depends on gender and case.
Common mistake
Don't add an ending after “ist”. Write “Die Rose ist rot”, not “ist rote”.
Quick check
Which of these means “red”?
More words on this topic
Keep learning German
Practise it in a lesson →Frequently asked questions
Is the German word for red “rot” or “rote”?
“Rot” is the base form. It stays “rot” after “ist”, and takes an ending like “rote” or “rotes” only before a noun.
How do you say dark red in German?
“Dunkelrot”. German forms many shades by putting a word in front, such as “hellgrün” (light green) or “dunkelblau” (dark blue).