01
die Ebene
plain
A large, flat area without significant elevations.
example
In der norddeutschen Tiefebene gibt es kaum Hügel.
In the North German Plain, there are hardly any hills.
die Ebene
plain / level
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Ebene' derives from the adjective 'eben' (flat/even), which means 'flach' (flat) or 'gleichmäßig' (even). This basic concept of a flat surface appears in all meanings, from landscape to hierarchy.
EXAMPLE
Das Land ist hier so eben, dass man meilenweit sehen kann.
The land is so flat here that you can see for miles.
Use with "auf"
In the abstract meaning, 'Ebene' is almost always used with the preposition 'auf' and an adjective. This structure is very common in political, business, or personal contexts.
EXAMPLE
Wir sollten dieses Problem auf einer persönlichen Ebene klären.
We should clarify this problem on a personal level.
Typical collocations
For the abstract meaning, 'Ebene' is often combined with certain adjectives. Typical examples are: 'politische Ebene' (political level), 'persönliche Ebene' (personal level), 'lokale Ebene' (local level), 'nationale Ebene' (national level), and 'internationale Ebene' (international level).
EXAMPLE
Die Entscheidung wurde auf höchster Ebene getroffen.
The decision was made at the highest level.
Context clues
The context helps distinguish the meanings. Geographical terms point to the landscape. Words from politics or organizations point to the abstract level. Terms like 'Stockwerk' (floor) or 'Gebäude' (building) indicate a level in a building.
EXAMPLE
Die weite Ebene war von kleinen Flüssen durchzogen.
The wide plain was crisscrossed by small rivers.
Compare with
Ebene vs Bereich
area / field
'der Bereich' and 'die Ebene' can both describe a part of an abstract system, for example in a company, in politics, or within a topic. 'der Bereich' usually means a subject area, field of work, or area of responsibility. 'die Ebene' more often means a level or layer on which something happens, for example 'die persönliche Ebene' (the personal level) or 'die Leitungsebene' (management level). They can be confused because both are used not only in a spatial sense. If you are asking what something is about in terms of content, 'Bereich' often fits. If you are asking at what level or within which group something is decided, 'Ebene' fits.
Ebene
Auf politischer Ebene wird noch über die Regeln diskutiert.
The rules are still being discussed at the political level.
Bereich
Im Bereich Umwelt arbeitet die Firma mit neuen Projekten.
The company is working on new projects in the environmental field.
In real life
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