Einfärbt

Einfärbt is the present-tense form of the German verb einfärben, meaning to apply a uniform color to something by dyeing or staining. The term denotes that an object has been treated so that its color becomes even throughout. In usage, the action can refer to textiles, leather, paper, wood or plastics, as well as to biological specimens prepared for microscopic examination.

Etymology and grammar: einfärben is formed from the prefix ein- and the verb färben (to color). In standard German, the present tense is written as two words: er färbt ein (he dyes in). The past participle is eingefärbt and is used as a predicate adjective or in perfect tenses, e.g., Der Stoff ist eingefärbt or Der Stoff wurde eingefärbt. The simple past form is einfärbte, used in narratives.

Applications: In textiles and surface finishing, einfärbt indicates a single-color coloration achieved by immersion, padding, or coating with a dye or pigment and subsequent fixation. In hair coloring, “eingefärbt” is commonly used to describe dyed hair. In biology and medicine, similar terminology is used for staining cells or tissues to highlight structures, where the action is described as einfärben or eingefärbt with specific dyes.

Methods and materials: Färbemittel (dyes) and Farbstoffe are applied in liquid or paste form, often with processes that promote color fastness, such as fixation, mordants, or heat. The choice of dye and method depends on the material and the desired shade and longevity of the color.

See also: Färben, Farbstoffe, Farbmittel, Farbgebung.