verb

ebnen

level · pave

etwas glatt und gerade machen, damit es keine Hügel, Löcher oder Hindernisse mehr gibt

Definition & meaning

The verb ebnen primarily means to make something flat, level, or smooth. It is used in both a literal and a figurative sense:

Literal sense: To level a physical surface. For example, if you are preparing a garden or a construction site, you might level the ground so it is perfectly horizontal and smooth.
Figurative sense: To remove obstacles or difficulties to make a process easier. The most common expression is den Weg ebnen, which translates to "to pave the way" or "to clear the path" for someone or something.

Grammar & Word origin

ebnen is a regular (weak) verb. Its principal parts are:

ebnet (present)
ebnete (past)
geebnet (perfect participle)

The word is derived from the German adjective eben, which means "even," "level," or "flat." By adding the verbal suffix "-en," the meaning becomes "to make even." It is closely related to the English word "even."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

glätten: To smooth out a surface.
nivellieren: To level or equalize, often used in technical or sociological contexts.
flach machen: To make flat.
bahnen: To clear a path or track (often used interchangeably in the figurative sense of preparing a way).
ausgleichen: To balance or even out differences.