German word

ebnen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈeːbnən/

Meaning

  • verblevel

Example

Der Gärtner ebnet den Rasen.

The gardener is leveling the lawn.

Illustration for ebnen (level)

More examples

Die Reformen ebnen den Weg für neue Projekte.

The reforms pave the way for new projects.

Core concept

A rough surface is brought to an even plane, or a difficult path is made easier to follow.

Common phrases

  • für neue Projekte den Weg ebnen

    pave the way for new projects

  • eine Fläche ebnen

    level a surface

Similar words

glätten: Smoothing out bumps or rough spots on a surface.
ausgleichen: Balancing differences to create a more equal result or condition.
begradigen: Correcting a curve or bend so that something runs straight.
angleichen: Bringing differing features closer to one another.

Definition in German

Unebene Flächen oder Zustände durch Glätten in eine ebene Form bringen.

Word origin

The verb derives from the adjective "eben" meaning level or even and continues an Old High German form related to "eban".

Usage tips

  • In the figurative pattern "jemandem den Weg ebnen," the person takes dative case and "den Weg" takes accusative case.

Other meanings

  • flattenverb
  • even outverb
  • gradeverb

Opposites

  • aufschüttenheap upverb
  • aufwühlenstir upverb

Related words

  • Ebeneplanenoun
  • ebenerdigground-leveladjective

Word lists with this word