standard / scale / ruler
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standard
A criterion or norm by which something is judged or evaluated. It serves as a basis for comparison for quality, performance, or behavior.
Seine Arbeit setzt neue Massstäbe in der Branche.
His work sets new standards in the industry.
scale
The ratio of the size of an illustration, for example on a map or in a model, to the actual size in reality.
Die Landkarte hat einen Massstab von 1:50'000.
The map has a scale of 1:50,000.
ruler
A measuring instrument in the form of a strip or ruler with a scale for determining lengths.
Der Architekt benutzte einen Massstab, um die Pläne zu zeichnen.
The architect used a ruler to draw the plans.
The word is made up of 'Mass' (measure) and 'Stab' (stick/rod). A 'Massstab' is therefore literally a stick for measuring. This basic idea helps you understand both the concrete meaning (ruler) and the abstract meanings (criterion, ratio).
Mit einem Massstab kann man sehr genaue Linien ziehen.
With a ruler, you can draw very precise lines.
The spelling 'Massstab' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In Germany and Austria, the word is written 'Maßstab' with 'ß'. The meaning is identical.
In Schweizer Schulbüchern findet man nur die Schreibweise „Massstab“.
In Swiss schoolbooks, you only find the spelling 'Massstab'.
The three meanings can be distinguished well from context. If it's about quality and evaluation, a criterion is meant. If there are numbers with a colon (e.g. 1:100), it is about the size ratio. If a drawing tool is meant, it is the ruler.
Der Erfolg des Projekts setzt neue Massstäbe für die Zukunft.
The success of the project sets new standards for the future.
In the abstract meaning 'Kriterium' (criterion), the word is often used in the plural. A very common phrase is 'neue Massstäbe setzen' (to set new standards). 'einen strengen Massstab anlegen' (to apply a strict standard) is also a typical combination.
Man sollte nicht an andere strengere Massstäbe anlegen als an sich selbst.
One should not apply stricter standards to others than to oneself.
When it is about the size ratio, 'Massstab' almost always appears with the preposition 'in' or 'im' and a number with a colon.
Die Karte wurde im Massstab 1:25'000 gedruckt.
The map was printed at a scale of 1:25,000.
standard
Standard and Massstab can relate to quality. The Standard is the established or expected level of quality itself. Massstab, by contrast, is the basis for comparison used to assess the quality of a product or service.
Die Verarbeitung des besten Modells dient der Firma als Massstab für neue Produkte.
The workmanship of the best model serves the company as a benchmark for new products.
Die Verarbeitung dieses Modells entspricht dem hohen Standard der Firma.
The workmanship of this model meets the company's high standard.
