to equate
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to equate with
To regard or treat two or more things as identical, equivalent, or comparable, even though they may not be.
Man sollte beruflichen Erfolg nicht einfach mit persönlichem Glück gleichsetzen.
You shouldn't simply equate professional success with personal happiness.
to set equal
In mathematics, to connect two terms or expressions with an equals sign in order to set up and solve an equation.
Um den Schnittpunkt zu berechnen, müssen wir die beiden Funktionsgleichungen gleichsetzen.
To calculate the point of intersection, we have to set the two function equations equal.
to put oneself on a par with
To place oneself on the same level as another, often higher-ranking person or thing, usually in a presumptuous or inappropriate way.
Er versucht sich mit dem Geschäftsführer gleichzusetzen, obwohl er nur ein Praktikant ist.
He is trying to put himself on a par with the managing director, even though he is only an intern.
'Gleichsetzen' (to equate) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'gleich' comes at the end, and in the infinitive with 'zu', it is separated from the verb stem by 'zu'.
Er setzt Reichtum mit Glück gleich.
He equates wealth with happiness.
The verb consists of 'gleich' (equal/same) and 'setzen' (to set/put). So the literal meaning is 'to see or position something as equal,' which forms the basis for all its meanings.
In der Gleichung setzt du die beiden Terme gleich.
In the equation, you set the two terms equal.
You can recognize the meaning from context: in mathematics, it is about formulas. The reflexive form 'sich gleichsetzen' expresses presumptuousness. Otherwise, it usually means regarding two things as comparable.
Um die Variable x zu finden, setzen wir die Funktionen gleich.
To find the variable x, we set the functions equal.
When you regard two things as equivalent, you always use the structure: etwas (accusative) mit etwas (dative) gleichsetzen.
Man darf Kritik nicht mit einem persönlichen Angriff gleichsetzen.
You must not equate criticism with a personal attack.
In this meaning, the verb is always used reflexively: 'sich mit jemandem gleichsetzen' (to put oneself on a par with someone). The reflexive pronoun 'sich' is in the accusative.
Sie ist erst seit einer Woche hier, aber sie setzt sich schon mit der Chefin gleich.
She has only been here for a week, but she is already putting herself on a par with the boss.
