messen
Translation
to measure, to compete (with)
Examples
Ich messe die Länge des Tisches.
I am measuring the length of the table.
Der Arzt misst den Blutdruck.
The doctor is measuring the blood pressure.
Er misst sich gern mit anderen.
He likes to compete with others.
Grammar Patterns
et4 messen to measure sth. The nurse is measuring the temperature.
sich mit j-m/et3 messen to compete with sb./sth. She wants to compete with the best.
Similar Words
Synonyms: wiegen, bestimmen, vergleichen
Etymology
From Old High German 'mezzan', related to English 'mete' (as in 'to mete out'). The root means to ascertain a quantity.
Memory Tips
Sounds very similar to the English word 'measure'. Just remember the strong past tense 'maß'.