die / der  Farbige

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfaʁbɪɡə/

🤔 What does "Farbige" mean? A Critical Classification

The word Farbige is a noun derived from the adjective farbig (colored). It exists in two grammatical genders:

• der Farbige: Historically referred to a male person of color.
• die Farbige: Historically referred to a female person of color.

🚨 Important Note: The term "Farbige(r)" carries strong negative connotations and is considered outdated, racist, and discriminatory. It originates from the colonial era and is perceived today as inappropriate and hurtful. The use of this word should absolutely be avoided! Instead, respectful and neutral terms like Person of Color (PoC) or more specific self-identifications (e.g., Schwarze Person - Black person) should be preferred, if known and appropriate.

This explanation serves solely for linguistic understanding and historical context, not as an endorsement of the term.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of "der/die Farbige"

"Farbige(r)" is a nominalized adjective (an adjective used as a noun). Its declension follows the rules of adjective declension (weak, mixed, strong), depending on whether it is preceded by a definite article (like der/die), an indefinite article (like ein/eine), or no article.

Example Sentences (Historical Context / Literary Quotes)

⚠️ These examples only illustrate grammar and reflect outdated usage. They should not be imitated!

1. Der Farbige betrat den Raum. (Nominative singular, masculine) - The person of color entered the room.
2. Die Geschichte der Farbigen ist komplex. (Genitive plural) - The history of the people of color is complex.
3. Man sprach mit der Farbigen. (Dative singular, feminine) - They spoke with the person of color.
4. Er sah den Farbigen auf der Straße. (Accusative singular, masculine) - He saw the person of color on the street.

🚫 Usage: A Clear No! Avoid the word "Farbige"

The terms der Farbige and die Farbige are relics of a colonial past and deeply rooted in racist ideology. Using these words to refer to people today is unacceptable, discriminatory, and hurtful.

• Historical Context: Used for categorization and often devaluation of non-white people.
• Current Perception: Considered unequivocally racist. No serious or respectful context justifies its use.
• Alternatives: Speak of Menschen (people). If a more specific term is necessary and appropriate, use neutral terms like Person of Color (PoC), Schwarze Person (Black person), or the self-identifications of the individuals or groups concerned, if known.

⚠️ Avoid this word under all circumstances when directly addressing or describing people. Knowing it is important for understanding older texts or analyzing racism, but not for active language use.

🧠 Mnemonics (Articles & Warning)

Although using the word is strongly discouraged, here are mnemonics for the grammatical gender and meaning:

Article Mnemonic: Think of the typical gender associations: Der Farbige for the der Mann (male), Die Farbige for the die Frau (female).

Warning Mnemonic: The Farbe (color) of the word "Farbige" is Red like a stop sign 🛑! Stop! Don't use it! It's outdated and offensive.

🔄 Outdated Terms and Better Alternatives

It's difficult to list direct synonyms for such a problematic term without repeating its negative connotations.

Outdated/Racist Terms (DO NOT use!):

• Neger / Negerin (extremely racist)
• Mohr / Mohrin (archaic, racist)

Acceptable / Neutral / Respectful Alternatives (depending on context):

• Person of Color / PoC (collective term borrowed from English)
• Schwarze Person / Schwarzer Mann / Schwarze Frau (Black person / Black man / Black woman - self-designation for many people of African descent)
• Mensch / Person (often the best and most neutral choice)
• More specific terms based on origin or self-identity, if relevant and known (e.g., Afrodeutsche(r) - Afro-German, Asiat(in) - Asian – context and self-designation are crucial here too).

Antonym (in the sense of historical race theory):

• Weiße(r) (White person)

Similar Word (Adjective):

• farbig: The adjective itself can be neutral (e.g., "ein farbiges Bild" - a colored picture), but is also problematic when referring to people and should be avoided.

😄 A Little Joke about Colors

German: Warum hat der Maler immer schlechte Laune?
Weil er ständig alles schwarzmalt!

English Translation: Why is the painter always in a bad mood?
Because he's always painting everything black! (German idiom "schwarzmalen" means "to paint a bleak picture/to be pessimistic")

(Note: This joke only plays with the word "Farbe"/color and deliberately avoids the problematic term "Farbige".)

📜 Poem about Words and Respect

German:
Worte können Brücken bauen,
Doch auch tiefe Gräben schlagen.
Ein altes Wort, voll Misstrauen,
Sollten wir heut nicht mehr sagen.

"Farbige" klingt aus dunkler Zeit,
Von Unrecht und von Schmerz geprägt.
Respekt und Menschlichkeit geweiht,
Ist, wie man heute richtig pflegt.

Nenn Menschen Menschen, klar und schlicht,
Ihr Name, ihre Identität.
Im Andern sieh dein Angesicht,
Für eine bessere Realität.

English Translation:
Words can build bridges strong and wide,
But also dig deep trenches' blight.
An ancient word, with mistrust tied,
Should not be spoken, day or night.

"Farbige" echoes darker years,
Marked by injustice and by pain.
To human dignity and cheers,
Is how respect we should maintain.

Call people people, plain and clear,
Their name, their own identity.
In others see your own face, dear,
For a better reality.

🧩 Little Riddle

German:
Ich trage "der" oder "die" vor mir,
Doch meine Nutzung bringt nur Zier?
Nein, Schande heut', drum lass mich sein,
Mein Klang ist alt und gar nicht fein.
Ich spreche über Haut und Ton,
Doch meine Zeit, sie ist entflohn.

Wer bin ich? (Ein Wort, das man meiden soll)

English Translation:
I carry "der" or "die" before me,
But does my use bring only glee?
No, shame today, so let me be,
My sound is old, not fine, you see.
I speak of skin and tone and race,
But my time's gone, left without trace.

What am I? (A word to avoid)

Answer: Farbige(r)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Farbige(r)" is a nominalization (substantivierung) of the adjective "farbig" (colored).

• Root: Farb- (from Farbe - color)
• Suffix (adjective): -ig
• Suffix (nominalization): -e (weak declension) / -er (strong declension, masculine)

Discourse History: Engaging with terms like "Farbige(r)" is part of important societal debates about racism, language, and power. Awareness of the history and impact of such words is crucial for discrimination-free communication. Die Auseinandersetzung mit Begriffen wie "Farbige(r)" ist Teil wichtiger gesellschaftlicher Debatten über Rassismus, Sprache und Macht. Das Bewusstsein für die Geschichte und Wirkung solcher Wörter ist entscheidend für eine diskriminierungsfreie Kommunikation.