Blass vs. bleich
The German words blass and bleich both describe pale human skin, but they have subtle differences in usage and intensity.
Blass
A2Blass describes a lighter than normal skin tone, often due to temporary conditions like fear, illness, or lack of sun exposure.
Nach der langen Nacht sah sie blass und müde aus.
(After the long night, she looked pale and tired.)
Vor Aufregung wurde er ganz blass im Gesicht.
(His face turned pale with excitement.)
Bleich
B1Bleich indicates an extremely pale, almost white appearance, often associated with shock, severe illness, or death.
Der Verletzte lag bleich und regungslos auf dem Boden.
(The injured person lay pale and motionless on the ground.)
Ihr Gesicht wurde bleich vor Schreck, als sie die Nachricht hörte.
(Her face turned deathly pale with fright when she heard the news.)
Summary
While both blass and bleich describe paleness, blass is used for a milder, more common paleness, whereas bleich implies a more extreme, sometimes unhealthy whiteness of skin. Blass might describe someone who needs some sun, while bleich could describe someone who looks gravely ill or extremely shocked.