German word

Niveau

Pronunciation

IPA/niˈvoː/

Meaning

  • neuter nounlevel

Example

Sie spricht auf einem hohen Niveau.

She speaks at a high level.

Illustration for Niveau (level)

More examples

Das Essen im Bistro war leider unter dem Niveau, das wir erwartet hatten.

Unfortunately, the food at the bistro was below the level we had expected.

Core concept

A marked point on a scale that shows how high a skill, quality, or standard stands compared with others.

Common phrases

  • auf gutem Niveau

    at a good level

  • unter dem Niveau

    below the level

Similar words

Sprachniveau: A language proficiency grade used to report ability in a language.
Stufe: A step in the progress of a procedure or learning program.
Ebene: A level representing a separate perspective, domain, or layer of understanding.
Stand: The current condition or degree of progress achieved so far.

Definition in German

Bezeichnet einen bestimmten Grad oder Stand eines Anspruchs, einer Fähigkeit oder einer Qualität; eine vergleichbare Stufe in einem Vergleich.

Word origin

German borrowed Niveau from French niveau, which developed from Latin lībellus, a small level or leveling instrument, and extended to mean a degree or standard.

Usage tips

  • Niveau is neuter, so the standard form is das Niveau, with the plural usually Niveaus.

Other meanings

  • degreenoun
  • stagenoun

Related words

  • Niveauverlustdecline in standardsnoun
  • niveaumäßigin terms of leveladverb

Word lists with this word