Basic measurements — Measurements

Größe

Size

Größe can also mean height, so context matters!

Germans are detail-oriented and appreciate precise measurements.

Groß

Large

"Groß" is also used for tall people.

Adding an -artig (like "riesenartig") can emphasize the size further in German.

Klein

Small

Don’t confuse "klein" with "kleinlich", which means petty.

"Klein, aber fein!" often refers to something small but of high quality.

Mittel

Medium

"Mittel" can also refer to averages in statistics.

Middle-sized portions in Germany tend to be generous compared to other countries.

Breite

Width

"Breite" rhymes with "Freude" (joy), which can help with pronunciation.

The Autobahn's width can vary significantly, allowing for the famous fast driving lanes.

Lang

Long

"Lang" changes to "lange" in certain grammatical cases.

German expressions like "lange Nacht" (long night) are cultural touchpoints for events.

Kurz

Short

Not to be confused with "Kurve" (curve).

"Kurz und schmerzlos" is a common phrase meaning 'short and painless'.

Gewicht

Weight

Gewicht covers both physical and metaphorical weight in German.

In Germany, measurements often use kilograms; it's a metric country.

Leicht

Light

"Leicht" also means easy, so listen for context.

Light beer, "Leichtbier", is a popular option in Germany for those driving.