equal
Loading your saved state.
equal
Having the same rights, the same status, or the same opportunities as someone else. Often used in a legal or social context.
Laut Gesetz sind Männer und Frauen in Deutschland vollkommen gleichgestellt.
According to the law, men and women in Germany are completely equal.
The word is the past participle of 'gleichstellen' (to put on an equal footing) and is made up of 'gleich' (equal) and 'gestellt' (placed). Its literal meaning is therefore 'placed on the same level,' which makes it easier to understand.
In unserem Team sind alle Mitarbeiter gleichgestellt und haben dieselben Rechte.
In our team, all employees are equal and have the same rights.
When expressing to whom or what something is equal, that comparison partner takes the dative. The structure is: 'A ist B (Dativ) gleichgestellt' (A is equal/equivalent to B).
Ihre Berufserfahrung ist einem Hochschulabschluss gleichgestellt.
Her professional experience is equivalent to a university degree.
In social and legal contexts, 'gleichgestellt' (equal) is often used in debates about the rights of groups. Typical topics include equality between men and women or between people with and without disabilities.
Das Gesetz soll sicherstellen, dass behinderte Menschen im Berufsleben gleichgestellt sind.
The law is intended to ensure that disabled people are equal in professional life.
equivalent
'äquivalent' and 'gleichgestellt' both express that two things or people are treated the same or seen as equivalent in an important respect. 'äquivalent' is used more for things, values, meanings, or effects: something corresponds to something else. It often appears with 'zu'. 'gleichgestellt' is especially suitable for people, rights, status, or official rules. It says that someone has the same opportunities or rights. The words can be confused because both express equivalence. In practice: for meaning or effect, you are more likely to say 'äquivalent'; for rights or status, more likely 'gleichgestellt'.
Im neuen Programm sind ehrenamtliche Helfer den festen Mitarbeitern bei der Schulung gleichgestellt.
In the new program, volunteer helpers are treated the same as permanent employees during the training.
Diese Bescheinigung ist äquivalent zu einem kurzen Praktikumsnachweis.
This certificate is equivalent to a short internship confirmation.