01
gemessen
measured
Describes a movement or way of speaking that is deliberately slow, controlled, and dignified.
example
Mit gemessenen Schritten betrat der Richter den Gerichtssaal.
With measured steps, the judge entered the courtroom.
gemessen
measured
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word structure
'Gemessen' is the past participle of the verb 'messen' (to measure). The meaning 'slow and controlled' derives from the idea that the movements or words are precisely measured out.
EXAMPLE
Er wählte seine Worte sehr gemessen, um niemanden zu verletzen.
He chose his words very measuredly so as not to hurt anyone.
Typical collocations
In the meaning 'slow and controlled', 'gemessen' (measured) is used almost exclusively with nouns for movement or speech, e.g. 'gemessene Schritte' (measured steps), 'gemessene Bewegungen' (measured movements), or 'gemessene Worte' (measured words).
EXAMPLE
Der Redner sprach mit gemessener Stimme zum Publikum.
The speaker addressed the audience in a measured voice.
Fixed construction
The construction 'gemessen an' + dative is a fixed expression used to express a comparison. If it appears at the beginning of the sentence, the verb follows immediately after it.
EXAMPLE
Gemessen an seiner Erfahrung ist sein Gehalt zu niedrig.
Measured against his experience, his salary is too low.
Context clue
The meaning is easy to recognize from context: if 'gemessen' (measured) comes before a noun like 'Schritte' (steps) or 'Worte' (words), it means 'slow/controlled'. If the preposition 'an' follows, it is a comparison.
EXAMPLE
Mit gemessenen Schritten verließ er den Raum.
With measured steps, he left the room.
Compare with
gemessen vs feierlich
solemn / ceremonial
'feierlich' and 'gemessen' can both seem dignified. The difference lies in the focus: 'feierlich' describes a festive, serious atmosphere or an action on a special occasion. 'gemessen' more often describes the way someone speaks or moves: slowly, calmly, and in a controlled way. Learners may confuse the words because both fit official situations. But you would more likely say 'eine feierliche Zeremonie' (a solemn ceremony) and 'mit gemessener Stimme sprechen' (to speak in a measured voice).
gemessen
Der Richter sprach gemessen, damit jeder im Saal ihn gut verstand.
The judge spoke in a measured way so that everyone in the room could understand him well.
feierlich
Im Rathaus wurde das neue Projekt feierlich eröffnet.
The new project was ceremonially opened at the town hall.
In real life
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