Rotbraun

Rotbraun, literally “red-brown” in German, is a color term used to describe a reddish-brown shade. It lies on the brown portion of the color spectrum with noticeable red undertones. In German-language usage, rotbraun is used to name particular tints in art, paint, textiles, and design catalogs, and it contrasts with both pure red and purer brown. Because it is a descriptive term rather than a fixed color standard, rotbraun can correspond to a range of hues within the warm brown family, similar to what English speakers might call russet, chestnut, or terra cotta depending on lightness and saturation.

Etymology and usage: The term is formed by combining the words for red (rot) and brown (braun), reflecting a common German practice of creating color names from basic color words. Its use in catalogs and artistic discourse dates to at least the 19th century, and it remains common in contemporary German to describe fabrics, paints, and design palettes with red-tinged brown tones.

Characteristics: Rotbraun is typically described as a warm, earthy color, conveying rustic or natural associations. It can appear more orange-toned or more wine-red depending on illumination and material. In hair color, rotbraun denotes shades with red undertones within a brown spectrum.

Applications: In design and branding, rotbraun is used to evoke warmth, tradition, and reliability. It appears in fashion, interior design, leather goods, and autumn-themed palettes, often paired with neutrals such as beige, cream, and olive.

See also: Russet, chestnut, sienna, terra cotta, copper.