water surface
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water surface
The uppermost layer or outer boundary of a body of water such as a lake, river, or the sea.
Die Regentropfen bildeten kleine Kreise auf der Wasseroberfläche.
The raindrops formed small circles on the water surface.
This word is made up of 'das Wasser' (water) and 'die Oberfläche' (surface). The 's' in the middle is a linking sound that connects the two parts. The meaning is literally 'the surface of the water.'
Die Sonne spiegelte sich auf der Wasseroberfläche des Sees.
The sun was reflected on the water surface of the lake.
Pay attention to the prepositions: Something is located 'auf der Wasseroberfläche' (on the water surface; dative). Something moves there 'an die Wasseroberfläche' (to the water surface; accusative). Something is located beneath it 'unter der Wasseroberfläche' (below the water surface; dative/accusative).
Ein Blatt schwimmt auf der Wasseroberfläche.
A leaf is floating on the water surface.
The water surface is often described with adjectives that express its condition. Common combinations are 'glatte' (smooth), 'ruhige' (calm), 'bewegte' (moving/choppy), or 'spiegelglatte Wasseroberfläche' (mirror-smooth water surface).
Am frühen Morgen war die Wasseroberfläche vollkommen glatt.
In the early morning, the water surface was completely smooth.
water level
Both words refer to the visible upper part of a body of water. Wasseroberfläche means the outer surface itself, for example when something is floating on it. Wasserspiegel, on the other hand, refers mainly to the height or level of this surface, for example when it rises or falls.
Auf der ruhigen Wasseroberfläche schwammen gelbe Blätter.
Yellow leaves floated on the calm surface of the water.
Nach dem starken Regen stieg der Wasserspiegel des Sees deutlich.
After the heavy rain, the lake's water level rose significantly.
