Origin of the phrase in question: Green, its source is traced

In the annals of automotive history, few disputes have garnered as much attention as the legal battle between Opel and Citroën in the 1920s. The case, heard in Berlin, revolved around the striking resemblance between Opel's new model, the Opel Laubfrosch, and Citroën's iconic 5CV, nicknamed the "Zitrone" due to its yellow colour.

The Laubfrosch, presented by Opel in 1924, was an exact copy of the Citroën 5CV, but with a green coat instead of yellow. The French, understandably, were not pleased and filed a lawsuit in Berlin to ban the production and sale of the Laubfrosch. However, the court ruling was not in favour of the French, allowing the Laubfrosch to continue its journey on the roads.

The phrase "That's the same in green!" gained significance during this legal dispute. It is a colloquial expression used to describe objects or actions that resemble each other in all but minor details. In this context, it highlighted the striking similarities between the two cars, despite their different colours.

Interestingly, the green colour of the Laubfrosch was a strategic move by Opel to distinguish it from the yellow Zitrone. The company aimed to create a unique identity for the Laubfrosch, despite their similarities. This strategy proved effective, as the Laubfrosch went on to become a successful model in its own right.

Today, the phrase "Das Gleiche in Grün" (That's the same in green) is a reminder of this fascinating legal battle. It originates from the popular 1970s German television quiz show where it was used to indicate a version of something that is essentially the same but presented differently, often with a different colour or packaging.

The victory of the Laubfrosch in the legal dispute marked a significant milestone in the history of automobile manufacturing. It demonstrated that innovation and differentiation could triumph over imitation, paving the way for future competitors to carve out their own unique identities in the crowded automotive market.

Despite the passage of time, the nickname "Zitrone" is still informally used for the Citroën brand today, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of the yellow 5CV on the automotive landscape. The Laubfrosch, on the other hand, continues to be remembered as a symbol of successful strategic differentiation in the face of imitation.