water level
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water level
The height of the surface of a body of water, such as a lake, river, or the sea, or of groundwater.
Nach den starken Regenfällen ist der Wasserspiegel des Sees deutlich angestiegen.
After the heavy rainfall, the water level of the lake rose significantly.
The word is composed of 'Wasser' (water) and 'Spiegel' (mirror). It describes the surface of a body of water, which is often smooth and reflects like a mirror.
Im klaren Wasserspiegel des Bergsees spiegelten sich die Gipfel.
The peaks were reflected in the clear water surface of the mountain lake.
The water level is often described with verbs that express a change in height. Typical verbs are 'steigen' (to rise), 'sinken' (to sink/fall), 'ansteigen' (to rise/increase), and 'fallen' (to fall).
Der Wasserspiegel des Flusses steigt nach dem Regen schnell an.
The water level of the river rises quickly after the rain.
To describe the state of the water level, the adjectives 'hoch' (high), 'niedrig' (low), 'konstant' (constant), or 'stabil' (stable) are often used.
Trotz des Regens blieb der Wasserspiegel relativ konstant.
Despite the rain, the water level remained relatively constant.
mirror
'der Spiegel' and 'der Wasserspiegel' overlap when talking about water. 'Der Spiegel' can mean the calm surface of a body of water, especially in figurative or descriptive language. 'Der Wasserspiegel' more specifically means the height of the water surface, that is, the water level of a lake, river, or even groundwater. The words can be confusing because 'Wasserspiegel' contains the word 'Spiegel'. If you are talking about a smooth water surface, 'Spiegel' can fit. If you are talking about water rising or falling, 'Wasserspiegel' is more natural.
Nach mehreren trockenen Wochen ist der Wasserspiegel des Sees gesunken.
After several dry weeks, the water level of the lake has dropped.
Der Spiegel des kleinen Teichs war am frühen Morgen ganz glatt.
The surface of the small pond was completely smooth in the early morning.