Meaning
To reveal one's true intentions or character, often after hesitation.
Cultural Background
In German politics, parties are identified by colors (Black, Red, Yellow, Green). 'Farbe bekennen' often literally means choosing which party to support. Similar to Germany, but the phrase is often used in the context of traditional card games like 'Schnapsen', which are still very popular in cafes. In the Swiss direct democracy, citizens are frequently asked to 'Farbe bekennen' at the ballot box on specific issues. In German business culture, 'Farbe bekennen' is a sign of leadership. A leader who doesn't take a stand is seen as weak.
Use it for emphasis
Add the word 'endlich' (finally) to show that you've been waiting for the person to be honest.
Not for paint!
Never use this when talking about literal colors in a shop or art class.
Meaning
To reveal one's true intentions or character, often after hesitation.
Use it for emphasis
Add the word 'endlich' (finally) to show that you've been waiting for the person to be honest.
Not for paint!
Never use this when talking about literal colors in a shop or art class.
Political context
Watch the news! You will hear this phrase almost every day in German political reporting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'bekennen'.
Gestern hat der Politiker endlich Farbe ______.
The past participle of 'bekennen' is 'bekannt'.
Which situation is appropriate for 'Farbe bekennen'?
Wann sagt man 'Farbe bekennen'?
The idiom is figurative and refers to opinions, not literal colors.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Ich weiß nicht, ob ich den Job will.' B: 'Du musst jetzt ______ ______!'
The standard idiom is 'Farbe bekennen'.
Match the German phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
All three are related to honesty, but 'Farbe bekennen' is the specific idiom for taking a stand.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Literal vs. Figurative
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGestern hat der Politiker endlich Farbe ______.
The past participle of 'bekennen' is 'bekannt'.
Wann sagt man 'Farbe bekennen'?
The idiom is figurative and refers to opinions, not literal colors.
A: 'Ich weiß nicht, ob ich den Job will.' B: 'Du musst jetzt ______ ______!'
The standard idiom is 'Farbe bekennen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All three are related to honesty, but 'Farbe bekennen' is the specific idiom for taking a stand.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be slightly aggressive if you demand it from someone ('Bekenn Farbe!'), but using it for yourself is very honorable.
Yes, it shows that you are a person of character who is willing to take a stand.
We don't use the plural. It is always singular 'Farbe bekennen'.
Yes, that is the universally accepted etymology in German linguistics.
Yes. 'Sich bekennen zu...' means to profess your faith or support for something (e.g., a religion), while 'Farbe bekennen' is about revealing a hidden opinion.
Ich habe Farbe bekannt.
You can, but it sounds a bit dramatic/funny. Use it for more important things.
Yes, it is common throughout the entire German-speaking world.
A good opposite would be 'sich um eine Antwort drücken' (to dodge an answer).
Yes, it comes from the same root, meaning 'to make known'.
Related Phrases
Karten auf den Tisch legen
synonymTo be completely transparent.
Tacheles reden
similarTo speak plainly.
Sich festlegen
similarTo commit to something.
Eier in der Hose haben
slangTo have balls/courage.
