01
glätten
to smooth
To remove wrinkles from a surface, especially textiles, usually by ironing.
example
Ich muss noch schnell mein Hemd für die Feier glätten.
I still have to quickly smooth my shirt for the celebration.
glätten
to smooth
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
The verb 'glätten' (to smooth) is derived directly from the adjective 'glatt' (smooth). It literally means to make something 'glatt' (smooth). This connection helps you understand the basic meaning in all contexts.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Regen glättete sich die Oberfläche des Sees wieder.
After the rain, the surface of the lake became smooth again.
Sentence structure
'Glätten' (to smooth) is a transitive verb and almost always needs an accusative object. You always smooth 'something'.
EXAMPLE
Der Tischler muss die Holzplatte noch glätten.
The carpenter still has to smooth the wooden board.
Context clues
You can recognize the exact meaning of 'glätten' (to smooth) from the object: with clothing, it means ironing; with hair, styling; with walls, applying filler; and with conflicts, a metaphorical calming down.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du bitte die Tischdecke für das Abendessen glätten?
Could you please smooth the tablecloth for dinner?
Fixed expression
In the figurative meaning of calming a conflict, the fixed expression 'die Wogen glätten' (to calm the waters / smooth things over) is used almost exclusively. 'Die Wogen' (the waves) are a metaphor here for stirred-up emotions.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem lauten Streit versuchte die Chefin, die Wogen im Team zu glätten.
After the loud argument, the boss tried to smooth things over in the team.
Compare with
glätten vs beruhigen
to calm
'beruhigen' and 'glätten' can both mean that a tense situation becomes less serious. 'beruhigen' is the normal and direct word for people, feelings, or situations. 'glätten' is used more figuratively in this sense, especially with conflicts. People often say 'die Wogen glätten' (to calm the waters / smooth things over) when things are meant to become calm again after an argument or trouble. For an agitated person, 'beruhigen' sounds more natural; for a conflict, 'glätten' often sounds more diplomatic.
glätten
Nach dem Missverständnis versucht Erik, die Wogen zwischen den Kollegen zu glätten.
After the misunderstanding, Erik tries to smooth things over between the colleagues.
beruhigen
Der Teamleiter beruhigt die Situation, bevor das Gespräch eskaliert.
The team leader calms the situation before the conversation escalates.
In real life
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