elevation difference
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elevation difference
The vertical distance between two points, that is, the difference in their geographic elevation. The term is often used in hiking, cycling, or geography.
Auf dieser Wanderung müssen wir einen Höhenunterschied von 800 Metern überwinden.
On this hike, we have to overcome an elevation difference of 800 meters.
The word is a clear compound made up of 'Höhe' (height/elevation), the linking element '-n-', and 'Unterschied' (difference). So it literally means a difference in height or elevation.
Der Höhenunterschied zwischen dem Tal und dem Gipfel ist enorm.
The elevation difference between the valley and the summit is enormous.
To specify the exact size of the elevation difference, the preposition 'von' (of) is used, followed by the value and the unit. This is the most common construction.
Die Seilbahn überwindet einen Höhenunterschied von über 1000 Metern.
The cable car overcomes an elevation difference of over 1000 meters.
In the context of sports or hiking, 'Höhenunterschied' (elevation difference) is often combined with the verbs 'überwinden' (to overcome), 'bewältigen' (to manage/tackle), or 'schaffen' (to manage). The verb 'betragen' (to amount to) is used to describe the distance neutrally.
Für Anfänger ist dieser Höhenunterschied schwer zu bewältigen.
For beginners, this elevation difference is hard to manage.
gradient / disparity / dues
'das Gefälle' and 'der Höhenunterschied' are closely related, but they are not the same thing. 'Höhenunterschied' only gives the vertical distance between two points, meaning how many meters higher or lower one point is. 'Gefälle' describes the gradient of a route and takes into account how strongly it goes downward over a certain distance. Learners may confuse the words because a gradient always has to do with an elevation difference. If you only mean the meters between two elevations, use 'Höhenunterschied'. If you mean the steepness of a road or path, use 'Gefälle'.
Zwischen dem Bahnhof und der Hütte liegen fast 400 Meter Höhenunterschied.
There is an elevation difference of almost 400 meters between the station and the hut.
Bei nasser Fahrbahn ist das Gefälle in dieser Kurve gefährlich.
On a wet road surface, the gradient in this curve is dangerous.