01
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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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 Niveau
level
'das Niveau' and 'der Meeresspiegel' both have to do with height. 'Niveau' is a general word for a height or level, for example with water or a surface. 'der Meeresspiegel' is much more specific: it means the average height of the sea surface and is often used as a reference point for elevation measurements. The words can be confused when talking about heights. But 'Meeresspiegel' is used only for the sea or as a measuring point for elevations above the sea. 'Niveau' is more general and can also appear in completely different areas.
Meeresspiegel
Das Dorf liegt nur wenige Meter über dem Meeresspiegel.
The village lies only a few meters above sea level.
Niveau
Nach dem starken Regen ist das Niveau des Wassers im Keller langsam gestiegen.
After the heavy rain, the water level in the basement slowly rose.
In real life
Loading video examples...