sense of proportion / eye
Loading your saved state.
sense of proportion
The ability to assess a situation sensibly and with a sense of the right measure, and to act accordingly.
Bei dieser heiklen Entscheidung ist viel Augenmass gefragt.
This delicate decision calls for a great deal of sense of proportion.
The word is made up of 'Auge' (eye) and 'Maß' (measure). The literal meaning 'measure of the eye' helps you understand both meanings: assessing a situation (with the 'mind's eye') and estimating distances (with the real eye).
Ein guter Handwerker hat ein ausgezeichnetes Augenmaß.
A good craftsman has an excellent eye.
'Augenmaß' is often used with the verbs 'haben' (to have), 'beweisen' (to demonstrate), or 'zeigen' (to show). A very common phrasing is also 'mit Augenmaß handeln' (to act with a sense of proportion) or 'mit Augenmaß vorgehen' (to proceed with a sense of proportion).
In dieser schwierigen Verhandlung müssen wir Augenmaß beweisen.
In this difficult negotiation, we have to demonstrate a sense of proportion.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about abstract topics like politics, decisions, or conflicts, it means 'sound judgment'. If it is about concrete, physical activities like cooking, parking, or craftwork, it means the ability to estimate visually.
Bei der Renovierung hat er echtes Augenmaß für die Abstände bewiesen.
During the renovation, he showed a real eye for the distances.
In the meaning of 'Urteilsvermögen' (judgment), the word is often used in more sophisticated contexts. Typical phrases are 'politisches Augenmaß' (political sense of proportion), 'juristisches Augenmaß' (legal sense of proportion), or the statement 'hier ist Augenmaß gefragt' (a sense of proportion is called for here).
Bei der Verteilung der Hilfsgüter ist großes Augenmaß gefragt.
A great deal of sense of proportion is called for when distributing the relief supplies.
measurement
'die Messung' and 'das Augenmass' can both help determine a size, distance, or quantity. But they are clearly opposites. With a 'Messung', you use a measuring device and get a value that is as accurate as possible. With 'Augenmass' (a good eye), you estimate just by looking, without a device. Learners may confuse the words because in both cases a size is ultimately named or assessed. When accuracy is important, you need a measurement. When an approximate estimate is enough, 'Augenmass' may be sufficient.
Der Tischler schneidet das Brett mit gutem Augenmass fast genau passend zu.
With a good eye, the carpenter cuts the board so that it fits almost exactly.
Vor dem Kauf macht Emma eine genaue Messung der Wand.
Before buying it, Emma takes an accurate measurement of the wall.