Couleur facts for kids

Couleur (pronounced "koo-LUR") is a special word from French. It means "colour" in English. In some countries in Central Europe, like Germany and Austria, it refers to the unique hats and ribbons worn by members of certain student groups. These groups are often called "Studentenverbindungen."

These special items show which student group a person belongs to. They are a big part of the traditions and history of these societies.

Ribbons

The ribbon, also called a "Band," is a long piece of cloth worn over the right shoulder and hanging down to the left hip. The ends of the ribbon are held together by a special button. This button is often made of metal or porcelain and might have the group's colours or symbols on it.

Many student groups have two different types of ribbons:

• One type is for new members, who are called "Fux" (which means "fox" in German). These ribbons often show only two of the main colours of the group.
• The other type is for older, more experienced members, called "Bursche" or "Alter Herr." Their ribbons show all the original or full colours of the society.

Example of a pair of ribbons from the same society. The top one is for an older member (Bursche), and the bottom one is for a new member (Fux).

A metal button used to hold the ribbon together, showing the group's colours.

Headgear

Student groups also wear special hats as part of their Couleur. There are a few different types of headgear.

Caps

Most often, members wear a "cap" (called a "Mütze" in German). This cap usually has:

• A black "peak" (the stiff part that sticks out at the front).
• A "crown" (the top part of the cap) that is coloured with one of the group's main colours.
• A "band" around the base of the crown that shows all the colours of the ribbon.

A collection of different caps worn by student groups.

Tönnchen

A "Tönnchen" (pronounced "TERN-shen") is another type of headgear. The word means "little barrel" in German. It looks a bit like a small, flat-topped barrel.

• The top of the "Tönnchen" is flat and coloured with one of the group's colours.
• It often has a special symbol called a "Zirkel" embroidered on the top. A "Zirkel" is a fancy, swirly symbol that represents the student group.
• The sides of the "Tönnchen" are straight and upright, showing the group's colours.

"Tönnchen" are usually worn by older members during less formal gatherings, instead of the regular caps.

A collection of Tönnchen hats, with the Zirkel symbol often seen on top.

Straßencerevis

A "Straßencerevis" (pronounced "SHTRAH-sen-seh-reh-vees") is a special type of "Tönnchen." It looks very similar to a regular "Tönnchen" but has extra fancy embroidery.

• Like the "Tönnchen," it has a "Zirkel" symbol embroidered on it.
• What makes it special is the added embroidery of oak leaves or vine leaves, which makes it look more formal and decorative.

A Straßencerevis hat decorated with vine leaves.

Another Straßencerevis hat, this one with oak leaves.

Images for kids

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  Ribbon, cap and Zipfel of an Austrian Studentenverbindung

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  Couleur bands of the Zionist Verbindung Nehardea from Basel, in the Jewish Museum of Switzerland’s collection.

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  Example of a pair of ribbons from the same society, Bursche upper, Fux lower.

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  Button of metal with colours.

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  Collection of caps, from left to right: Biedermeierformat, Tellermütze, Biedermeierformat