adjectiveadverb

eben

éppen · épp

Etwas ist ganz flach, ohne Hügel oder Unebenheiten.

The German word "eben" is an adjective or adverb. As an adjective, it means "flat," "level," or "smooth" (e.g., eine ebene Fläche – a flat surface). As an adverb, it can mean "just," "simply," or "exactly," used to emphasize a statement (e.g., "Das ist eben so." – "That's just how it is.").

Meaning of the root word:

"eben" itself is the root; no further decomposition applies.

Words with similar meanings:

For flat/level: flach (flat), glatt (smooth)
For the adverbial sense (just/simply): gerade (just), einfach (simply)

Differences:

Eben often implies precise flatness or immediate emphasis, while flach may refer more to general flatness and glatt to smooth texture.
As an adverb, eben stresses acceptance or resignation ("that's just how it is"), whereas gerade implies a recent action ("just now") and einfach emphasizes simplicity or ease.