die Altersstufe
age group
A stage in the life of a person or group defined by a specific age.
EXAMPLE
Dieses Gesellschaftsspiel ist für die Altersstufe ab 12 Jahren empfohlen.
This board game is recommended for the age group 12 and up.
die Altersstufe
age group
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
This noun is made up of 'Alter' (age) and 'Stufe' (level/stage), connected by an 's'. So it literally describes a stage or level defined by a specific age.
EXAMPLE
In jeder Altersstufe haben Kinder unterschiedliche Bedürfnisse.
At every age group, children have different needs.
Gender note
The word is feminine ('die Altersstufe' — age group) because the last word in the compound is 'die Stufe' (level/stage). This rule helps you determine the gender of many long German words.
EXAMPLE
Die nächste Altersstufe beginnt mit der Pubertät.
The next age group begins with puberty.
Typical usage pattern
Very often, the age group is given with 'ab' (from/and up) or 'bis' (up to) and a number in order to define an age limit. This pattern is often found with games, films, or books.
EXAMPLE
Der Film ist für die Altersstufe ab 16 Jahren freigegeben.
The film is approved for the age group 16 and up.
Typical collocations
Common formulations are that something 'für eine Altersstufe geeignet ist' (is suitable for an age group) or 'einer Altersstufe entspricht' (corresponds to an age group). The word is often used in educational or developmental-psychology contexts.
EXAMPLE
Diese Aufgaben sind für seine Altersstufe noch zu schwierig.
These tasks are still too difficult for his age group.
Compare with
Altersstufe vs Altersgruppe
age group
Both words can indicate the age range an offering is intended for. An „Altersgruppe“ refers to the people concerned. An „Altersstufe“, by contrast, refers to the stage of life determined by age. When talking about people, „Altersgruppe“ is the right choice; when referring to a developmental stage, „Altersstufe“ fits better.
Altersstufe
Der Kurs ist für die Altersstufe von zehn bis zwölf Jahren geeignet.
The course is suitable for children aged ten to twelve.
Altersgruppe
Der Kurs richtet sich an die Altersgruppe der zehn- bis zwölfjährigen Kinder.
The course is aimed at the age group of children between ten and twelve.
In real life
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