horizontal
Horizontal; running parallel to the horizon or a flat surface. The opposite of vertical.
EXAMPLE
Bitte ziehen Sie eine horizontale Linie von links nach rechts.
Please draw a horizontal line from left to right.
horizontal
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Meanings
horizontal
Figuratively, referring to a structure or relationship on the same hierarchical level, for example between departments in a company.
EXAMPLE
Die horizontale Kommunikation zwischen den Teams muss dringend verbessert werden.
Horizontal communication between the teams urgently needs to be improved.
Usage tips
Use as an adverb
'Horizontal' (horizontal) can also be used as an adverb without changing form. It then describes how an action is carried out: in a horizontal direction.
EXAMPLE
Der Balken muss horizontal ausgerichtet werden.
The beam must be aligned horizontally.
Context clue
The literal meaning can be recognized from words in the fields of geometry, technology, or description. Typical nouns are 'Linie' (line), 'Ebene' (plane), 'Achse' (axis), or 'Position' (position).
EXAMPLE
Der Patient lag in horizontaler Position auf dem Bett.
The patient lay in a horizontal position on the bed.
Context clue
The figurative meaning is found in the context of organizations and companies. It is often combined with words such as 'Struktur' (structure), 'Kommunikation' (communication), 'Hierarchie' (hierarchy), or 'Zusammenarbeit' (collaboration).
EXAMPLE
Das Unternehmen fördert die horizontale Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Abteilungen.
The company promotes horizontal collaboration between the departments.
Compare with
horizontal vs quer
across / transverse
Quer describes a line in relation to the lengthwise direction of a surface or object. Horizontal describes its level direction relative to the horizon or a flat surface. On a portrait-format poster, both words can fit; what matters is whether the direction within the object or the direction relative to its surroundings is meant.
horizontal
Auf dem hochformatigen Plakat verläuft eine Linie horizontal von links nach rechts.
On the portrait-format poster, a line runs horizontally from left to right.
quer
Auf dem hochformatigen Plakat verläuft eine Linie quer von links nach rechts.
On the portrait-format poster, a line runs across it from left to right.
In real life
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