German word

vermessen

Pronunciation

IPA/fɛɐ̯ˈmɛsən/

Meaning

  • verbmeasure

Example

Wir vermessen das Bauteil.

We measure the component.

Illustration for vermessen (measure)

More examples

Der Architekt vermessen die Fassade mit dem Laser.

The architect measures the facade with a laser.

Core concept

A technical team maps every length and distance of a structure, with inaccurate measurements producing a false plan.

Common phrases

  • vermessen mit dem Laser

    measure with a laser

  • vermessen den Abstand

    measure the distance

Similar words

messen: Determining a numerical value for a length, weight, or other quantity with an instrument.
ausmessen: Determining an object's or area's exact dimensions or shape by measuring it.
abmessen: Measuring out the precise amount needed for a particular purpose.
nachmessen: Measuring something again to verify an earlier result.

Definition in German

Mit Instrumenten Längen, Abstände oder Maße bestimmen; reflexiv: sich vermessen = falsch messen.

Word origin

German vermessen contains the inherited verb messen and the prefix ver-, while sich vermessen is the reflexive construction meaning to measure incorrectly.

Usage tips

  • Vermessen is a technical term for surveying dimensions, whereas ordinary length checks often use ausmessen or nachmessen instead.

Other meanings

  • surveyverb
  • mismeasureverb
  • presumptuousadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • Vermessungsinstrumentsurveying instrumentnoun
  • Vermessenheitpresumptuousnessnoun

Word lists with this word