Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Niveau | /niˈvoː/ | neuter |
| Grad | /ɡʁaːt/ | masculine |
German uses different words for level based on whether you are discussing quality, intensity or physical surfaces. Niveau is used for abstract levels of quality, skill or social standing. Grad refers to a degree or a level of intensity. In technical, professional or academic settings, the formal term Ebene is often used. To describe being on equal footing in a social or professional sense, the idiomatic phrase auf Augenhöhe is used.
Which one should you use?
Niveau is used for abstract concepts like social or intellectual standing, whereas Grad is used to denote a degree or level of intensity. While Niveau describes qualitative levels, Ebene is a more formal term used in professional and technical contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Niveau is Niveaus.
How do you pronounce it?
/niˈvoː/
When do people say it?
The phrase auf Augenhöhe is used metaphorically to describe interacting with someone on equal footing or at the same level.
Did you know?
- While Grad means 'degree' or 'level' in this context, the word grad written with a lowercase letter is actually a contraction of gerade meaning 'just' or 'straight'.
- In German, the term Niveau is often used as a standalone critique. Saying das Niveau ist niedrig can describe not just a low level of skill, but specifically a lack of class or poor manners.
- The German word Niveau is a linguistic relative of the English word 'level'. Both words descended from the same French root which referred to a tool used to determine if a surface is flat.
Examples in context
- Wasser findet sein Niveau.Water finds its own level.This sentence shows the use of Niveau in a physical or natural context.Tatoeba #11566725 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #270827 by sundown
- Lass dich nicht auf Toms Niveau herab.Don't stoop to Tom's level.This sentence demonstrates the use of Niveau when discussing social or behavioral standards.Tatoeba #4094209 by Dani6187, translation #2275160 by CK
- Mein Englisch ist auf mittlerem Niveau.My level in English is intermediate.This sentence illustrates how to describe a level of proficiency or skill using Niveau.Tatoeba #11703884 by Yorwba, translation #8666620 by Ahmed_Waleed
- Das Thema wird auf globaler Ebene diskutiert.The topic is being discussed at a global level.
- Wir müssen diese Aufgabe in zwei Stufen angehen.We need to tackle this task in two stages.
- Die Stadt leidet unter einem hohen Grad an Umweltverschmutzung.The city suffers from a high level of pollution.
- Der Film hat ein hohes Niveau.The movie is of a high level.
- Ich bin auf Level 5 im Spiel.I am on level 5 in the game.
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project at work.
- FelixDas Projekt hat ein hohes Niveau.The project has a high level.
- SarahJa, die Qualität ist wirklich gut.Yes, the quality is really good.
- FelixWir müssen dieses Niveau halten.We have to maintain this level.
- SarahDas werde ich mit der Abteilung besprechen.I will discuss that with the department.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “level” translations and entries Niveau, Grad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Grad, Niveau, grad, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
