der Meeresspiegel
sea level
The average height of the sea surface, used as a reference point for elevation measurements on land.
EXAMPLE
Die Niederlande liegen teilweise unter dem Meeresspiegel.
The Netherlands lie partly below sea level.
der Meeresspiegel
sea level
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
This word is made up of 'Meer' (sea), the linking '-s,' and 'Spiegel' (mirror). The surface of the sea is often so smooth and flat that it acts like a mirror.
EXAMPLE
Vom Berg aus konnten wir den glitzernden Meeresspiegel sehen.
From the mountain, we could see the glittering sea level.
Typical prepositions
To indicate a position in relation to sea level, you use 'über dem Meeresspiegel' (above sea level) or 'unter dem Meeresspiegel' (below sea level). The elevation itself is described with 'auf Meeresspiegelhöhe' (at sea level).
EXAMPLE
Der höchste Berg der Welt liegt fast 9000 Meter über dem Meeresspiegel.
The highest mountain in the world is almost 9,000 meters above sea level.
Typical verbs
In connection with climate change, people often talk about sea level 'steigt' (rising) or 'sinkt' (falling).
EXAMPLE
Wissenschaftler warnen, dass der Meeresspiegel in den nächsten Jahrzehnten weiter steigen wird.
Scientists warn that sea level will continue to rise in the coming decades.
Compare with
Meeresspiegel vs Wasserspiegel
water level
Meeresspiegel (sea level) is the average height of the sea surface and serves as a general reference point for elevation measurements. Wasserspiegel (water level), by contrast, refers to the current surface level of a particular body of water or of groundwater. Meeresspiegel is therefore used for the elevation of a mountain, while Wasserspiegel is used for the water level of a lake.
Meeresspiegel
Das Dorf liegt 800 Meter über dem Meeresspiegel.
The village is 800 meters above sea level.
Wasserspiegel
Nach dem starken Regen ist der Wasserspiegel des Sees deutlich gestiegen.
After the heavy rain, the lake's water level rose significantly.
In real life
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