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
glätten
to smooth over
To calm and defuse a tense situation or conflict. Often used in the expression 'die Wogen glätten' (to calm the waters / smooth things over).
EXAMPLE
Der Diplomat versuchte, die Wogen zwischen den beiden Parteien zu glätten.
The diplomat tried to smooth over tensions between the two parties.
glätten
to smooth
To work on an uneven surface such as a wall or wood in order to make it even and smooth.
EXAMPLE
Der Handwerker glättete die Wand mit Spachtelmasse, bevor er sie strich.
The craftsman smoothed the wall with filler before painting it.
glätten
to straighten
To treat hair with heat or chemical products in order to make it straight and smooth.
EXAMPLE
Sie benutzt ein Glätteisen, um ihre lockigen Haare zu glätten.
She uses a straightening iron to straighten her curly hair.
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 defuse a tense situation. Beruhigen generally means that unrest decreases or a situation returns to a more normal state; glätten emphasizes the diplomatic easing of tensions or a conflict. Use „glätten“ especially for arguments and interpersonal tensions.
glätten
Ein Gespräch mit der Leitung sollte die Spannungen zwischen den Abteilungen glätten.
A conversation with management was intended to smooth over the tensions between the departments.
beruhigen
Ein Gespräch mit der Leitung konnte die angespannte Situation beruhigen.
A conversation with management managed to calm the tense situation.
In real life
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