weight class
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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.
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.
class
'die Klasse' and 'die Gewichtsklasse' can both mean a category. 'Die Klasse' is the general word for a group, level, or category. 'Die Gewichtsklasse' is more specific: in sports, it classifies people by their body weight, for example in boxing or wrestling. Figuratively, it can also mean a category based on size, importance, or influence. Learners may confuse the words because 'Gewichtsklasse' looks like a special kind of 'Klasse'. That is exactly the point: every 'Gewichtsklasse' is a 'Klasse', but not every 'Klasse' has to do with weight.
Der Boxer muss vor dem Kampf in seiner Gewichtsklasse bleiben.
The boxer has to stay in his weight class before the fight.
Im Geschäft gibt es Fahrräder in verschiedenen Klassen, von einfach bis sehr hochwertig.
The store has bicycles in different classes, from basic to very high-end.