Farbe

Farbe, the German word for color, denotes the perceptual experience produced by light interacting with the eye or by pigments and dyes. Physically, color relates to the distribution of light’s wavelengths; perceptually, it depends on how the brain interprets signals from the visual system. In everyday usage, Farbe is described in terms of hue, saturation, and brightness.

Color models organize how Farbe is produced or represented. Additive models such as RGB describe light emitted by screens, combining red, green, and blue to make other colors. Subtractive models such as CMYK describe pigments that absorb certain wavelengths. Perception-based spaces like HSV and HSL use hue, saturation, and value or lightness, while scientific spaces such as CIE XYZ and CIE Lab provide device-independent references for color management.

Physiological basis: the eye detects color with cone photoreceptors sensitive to different spectral regions. Early experiments supported trichromatic processing, later theories describe opponent mechanisms in the brain. Color vision deficiencies affect a notable share of the population, influencing color discrimination. In design and publishing, accessible palettes emphasize contrast and color-blind friendly combinations.

Farbe carries cultural meaning and practical implications in art, branding, and science. Lighting, materials, and context can alter perceived color, making color management and calibration essential in photography, printing, and digital media.