Rotgelb

Rotgelb is a color term in German that describes a hue lying between red and yellow on the color spectrum. The word combines rot (red) and gelb (yellow) and is commonly used to refer to a range of warm shades from orange-red to yellow-orange. In color theory rotgelb is part of the warm side of the color wheel; as lightness increases, the shade shifts toward lighter oranges, while higher saturation tends toward a more intense red-orange.

Because rotgelb is a descriptive term rather than a fixed color standard, its exact value varies across color systems. In digital design it may be represented by hex values roughly in the orange-yellow range, for example around #FFB000 to #FFA500, depending on the intended shade. In RGB it corresponds to high red and green components with little blue. In print (CMYK) it is achieved by substantial yellow and magenta, with the proportion of cyan or black adjusted to refine the tone. In many contexts, rotgelb is interchangeable with more precise names such as orange, gold, or amber.

Common uses include graphic design, branding, fashion, and interior decoration, where rotgelb conveys warmth, energy, and visibility. It is also associated with autumnal tones and summertime brightness. In signage or warning contexts, shades in this range can attract attention while remaining less aggressive than pure red.

See also: warm colors, color wheel, orange, amber, gold.