The b) nominalisation is a general mechanism in German an can be applied to basically any adjective. The a) nominalisation is only possible for some specific types of adjectives: colours, languages, and some selected other ones like 'Fett, Recht, Tief, Hoch, Dunkel, Heil, Leid und Wild'.Ĭase b) has similar nouns, the only difference being that whatever we're talking about has (can have) many more characteristics than just being of that colour - we're making it clear that we know and accept there's many more aspects of the thing. Ich habe mich in den Finger geschnitten, ich glaube das Rote, was da rauskommt, ist BlutĬase a) has a noun 'das Blau'/ 'Rot' that denotes nothing but the state of being of that colour, it's a nominalized and generalized attribute describing exclusively the state of being blue, ignoring any other aspects. Ich spiele begeistert Roulette, meistens setze ich auf Rot.ī) Ich habe mir viele Autos angeschaut, am Schluß habe ich mich ins Blaue hinein für das Blaue hier entschieden. First let's have a look at general adjective nominalisation rules - something similar happens with colours:Ī) Das Blau des Himmels ist heute wieder wunderschön.

Das deutsche roadmovie