elevation
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elevation
The height of a geographical point, measured above mean sea level. The term is used especially in Austria and Switzerland as a synonym for 'height above sea level.'
Das Bergdorf liegt auf einer Seehöhe von 1.200 Metern.
The mountain village lies at an elevation of 1,200 meters.
The word is composed of 'die See' (the sea) and 'die Höhe' (height). So it literally means 'height above the sea.'
Die genaue Seehöhe des Berggipfels ist auf der Karte verzeichnet.
The exact elevation of the mountain peak is marked on the map.
The term 'Seehöhe' (elevation) is used mainly in Austria and Switzerland. In Germany, people usually say 'Höhe über dem Meeresspiegel' (height above sea level) or 'Höhe über Normalnull (NN)' instead.
Wien liegt auf einer Seehöhe von etwa 170 Metern.
Vienna lies at an elevation of about 170 meters.
A height measurement is typically introduced with the preposition 'auf' (at/on). The usual formulation is: '[Ort] liegt auf einer Seehöhe von [Zahl] Metern' ([place] lies at an elevation of [number] meters).
Die Hütte liegt auf einer Seehöhe von 2.500 Metern und ist nur zu Fuß erreichbar.
The hut lies at an elevation of 2,500 meters and can only be reached on foot.
height / amount
'die Höhe' and 'die Seehöhe' can both describe a vertical distance. 'Höhe' is the general word and fits in many different situations, for example with buildings, mountains, or other upward distances. 'Seehöhe' is much more specific: it means the elevation of a place above sea level. The word is used especially in Austria and Switzerland. Learners may confuse the words because geographical places are often shown with numbers in meters. When it is generally about up and down, 'Höhe' fits. When it is specifically about meters above sea level, 'Seehöhe' fits.
Auf dem Schild steht, dass der Ort auf 1.200 Metern Seehöhe liegt.
The sign says that the place is located at 1,200 meters above sea level.
Die Höhe der Brücke macht manchen Menschen Angst.
The height of the bridge frightens some people.