ab|färben
Translation
to stain, to rub off, to lose color
Examples
Die neue Jeans färbt stark ab.
The new jeans are staining badly.
Seine schlechte Laune färbt auf alle ab.
His bad mood is rubbing off on everyone.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) färbt ab sth. stains/loses color The red sock has stained everything.
((sth.)) färbt ((auf sb./sth.)) ab sth. rubs off on sb./sth. His enthusiasm is rubbing off on the team.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ausbleichen (to fade), verfärben (to discolor)
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, away) + 'färben' (to color). Literally 'to color off'.
Memory Tips
Imagine a new red sock leaving its color ('Farbe') 'ab' (off) onto your white shirts in the wash.