messen
Translation
to measure, to compete (with)
Examples
Ich messe die Länge des Tisches.
I'm 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 (to weigh), bestimmen (to determine), vergleichen (to compare)
Etymology
From Old High German 'mezzan', which is a cognate of the English word 'mete' (like in 'mete out punishment'). The core idea is determining a quantity.
Memory Tips
It looks and sounds a lot like 'measure'. Think of a 'master' who can 'messen' anything perfectly.