Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Messgerät | [ˈmɛsɡəˌʁɛːt] (narrow) | neuter |
| Meter | /ˈmeːtɐ/ | neuter |
| Maß | /maːs/ | neuter |
In German, the translation depends on whether you are referring to a concrete instrument or an abstract standard. Use Messgerät for physical tools used to determine dimensions, distance or capacity. Use Maß when referring to a standard, a scale or a metaphorical gauge such as a gauge of quality. When using 'gauge' figuratively to mean a yardstick or a standard of comparison, Maßstab is often a more natural choice.
Which one should you use?
The term Messgerät is used for a concrete, physical measuring device like a voltmeter or a pressure gauge. In contrast, Maß is used for abstract concepts like a standard or a scale. For figurative meanings like a yardstick or a standard of comparison, Maßstab is often a more natural choice than Maß.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
All the provided forms are neuter nouns. This is shown by the articles das Messgerät and das Maß.
Did you know?
- In German, the word Maß is also the term used for a large draught of beer, specifically a one-litre mug in Bavaria.
- The German word Maß is a cognate of the English word 'mete', as in the phrase 'to mete out punishment'.
- The word Maßstab literally translates to 'measure stick', echoing the English concept of a 'yardstick' for both physical and metaphorical gauges.
Examples in context
- Das Messgerät zeigt den Druck in bar an.The gauge displays the pressure in bar.
- Kannst du bitte auf die Anzeige schauen und mir sagen, wie viel Benzin noch im Tank ist?Can you please check the gauge and let me know how much fuel is left in the tank?
- Dieses Messgerät ist sehr präzise.This measuring instrument is very precise.
- Wir brauchen ein neues Messgerät für das Labor.We need a new measuring device for the laboratory.
- Das Messgerät zeigt einen Fehler an.The measuring instrument indicates an error.
Example conversation
Felix and Sarah are working in a technical workshop.
- FelixSarah, hast du das Messgerät gefunden?Sarah, did you find the measuring instrument?
- SarahJa, es liegt auf dem Tisch.Yes, it is lying on the table.
- FelixIst das Messgerät funktionsfähig?Is the measuring device functional?
- SarahIch glaube, es funktioniert einwandfrei.I think it works perfectly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “gauge” translations and entries Messgerät, Meter, Maß, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Maß, Messgerät, Meter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
