weight class
Loading your saved state.
weight class
In sports, especially combat sports such as boxing or wrestling, a category that groups competitors with similar body weight.
Der Boxer musste vor dem Kampf abnehmen, um in seiner Gewichtsklasse antreten zu können.
The boxer had to lose weight before the fight in order to compete in his weight class.
league / level
A figurative term for a category based on the importance, size, or influence of something or someone.
Mit diesem neuen Produkt spielt das Unternehmen in einer völlig anderen Gewichtsklasse.
With this new product, the company is playing in a completely different league.
The word is a compound of 'Gewicht' (weight) and 'Klasse' (class). It therefore literally describes a class or category based on weight. The 's' is a linking element.
Der Judoka kämpft in der Gewichtsklasse bis 81 Kilogramm.
The judoka fights in the weight class up to 81 kilograms.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: if it is about sports, boxers, or weighing in, the sports category is meant. If it is about companies, products, or competition, the figurative meaning of importance or influence is meant.
Der Boxer hat das Gewicht für seine Gewichtsklasse erreicht.
The boxer has reached the weight for his weight class.
In a sports context, the preposition 'in' (+ dative) is used to express belonging to a category. Typical verbs are 'kämpfen' (to fight), 'antreten' (to compete), or 'starten' (to start/compete).
Sie wird bei den nächsten Meisterschaften in einer höheren Gewichtsklasse antreten.
She will compete in a higher weight class at the next championships.
In the figurative meaning, the phrase 'in einer anderen/neuen/eigenen Gewichtsklasse spielen' (to play in a different/new/own league) is very common. It expresses that someone or something has reached a new, higher level.
Seit der Übernahme spielt das Unternehmen international in einer ganz anderen Gewichtsklasse.
Since the takeover, the company has been playing internationally in a completely different league.
league
Liga and Gewichtsklasse can both be used figuratively to refer to a level in comparison with others. Liga mainly emphasizes a higher or lower level of performance. Gewichtsklasse focuses more on size, influence, or importance.
Beim wirtschaftlichen Einfluss gehört dieses Unternehmen zu einer höheren Gewichtsklasse als seine Konkurrenten.
In terms of economic influence, this company belongs to a higher league than its competitors.
Beim Kundenservice spielt dieses Unternehmen in einer höheren Liga als seine Konkurrenten.
When it comes to customer service, this company is in a higher league than its competitors.
