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on equal terms
In a relationship or situation in which the people involved have equal rights and respect each other. It describes a partnership-like relationship without hierarchy.
Die Verhandlungen zwischen den beiden Parteien fanden auf Augenhöhe statt.
The negotiations between the two parties took place on equal terms.
The word is made up of 'Auge' (eye; plural 'Augen') and 'Höhe' (height). So it literally describes the height at which the eyes are located.
Der Monitor sollte auf Augenhöhe stehen, um Nackenschmerzen zu vermeiden.
The monitor should be at eye level to avoid neck pain.
The figurative meaning is used almost exclusively in the fixed expression 'auf Augenhöhe' (on equal terms). It describes a respectful and equal relationship.
Ein gutes Team zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass alle auf Augenhöhe kommunizieren.
A good team is characterized by everyone communicating on equal terms.
In the expression 'auf Augenhöhe' (on equal terms), verbs of communication and interaction are often used, for example: 'sich begegnen' (to meet each other), 'diskutieren' (to discuss), 'zusammenarbeiten' (to work together), or 'verhandeln' (to negotiate).
In der Partnerschaft ist es wichtig, sich auf Augenhöhe zu begegnen.
In a partnership, it is important to meet each other on equal terms.
You can recognize the literal meaning by the fact that it is about the physical position of objects. Typical verbs in this context are 'hängen' (to hang), 'anbringen' (to attach/mount), or 'sein' (to be).
Die Kamera war genau auf Augenhöhe des Schauspielers positioniert.
The camera was positioned exactly at the actor's eye level.
equal rights
'Gleichberechtigung' and 'auf Augenhöhe' both describe a situation without unfair power differences. 'Gleichberechtigung' is used more when talking about rights and opportunities in society, politics, or work. 'auf Augenhöhe' (on equal terms) is used more for how people interact with each other: they speak respectfully with one another, and no one talks down to the other person. The words can be confused because both have to do with equal value. 'Gleichberechtigung' sounds more natural when it is about rights, and 'auf Augenhöhe' when it is about a relationship or conversation.
Nach der Nachricht sprach der Chef mit dem Team auf Augenhöhe.
After the news, the boss spoke with the team on equal terms.
Gleichberechtigung ist wichtig, damit alle im Beruf die gleichen Möglichkeiten haben.
Equal rights are important so that everyone has the same opportunities at work.