middle class / mid-range
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middle class
A social class in society that, in terms of income, education, and occupation, is positioned between the upper class and the lower class. It is often seen as a stabilizing factor in a society.
Der Wohlstand der Mittelklasse ist in den letzten Jahren unter Druck geraten.
The prosperity of the middle class has come under pressure in recent years.
mid-range
A product category, especially for cars, characterized by medium size, features, and price. It falls between the compact class and the luxury class.
Der VW Passat ist ein typisches Auto der Mittelklasse.
The VW Passat is a typical mid-range car.
The word is made up of 'die Mitte' (the middle), here as 'Mittel-', and 'die Klasse' (the class). So it literally refers to the 'middle class' or category, whether in society or for products.
Dieses Produkt ist preislich in der Mittelklasse angesiedelt.
This product is positioned in the mid-range price segment.
The context makes the meaning clear. If it is about society, income, or politics, it refers to the social class. If it is about cars, hotels, or technical devices, it refers to a product category.
Die Studie untersucht die finanzielle Lage der Mittelklasse. (soziale Schicht)
The study examines the financial situation of the middle class. (social class)
When referring to the social class, typical phrases are 'zur Mittelklasse gehören' (to belong to the middle class), 'in die Mittelklasse aufsteigen' (to move up into the middle class), or 'die soziale/bürgerliche Mittelklasse' (the social/bourgeois middle class).
Viele Familien hoffen auf den sozialen Aufstieg in die Mittelklasse.
Many families hope for social advancement into the middle class.
With products, a genitive construction is usually used to express belonging: 'ein Auto der Mittelklasse' (a mid-range car), 'ein Hotel der Mittelklasse' (a mid-range hotel).
Wir haben für den Urlaub ein komfortables Auto der Mittelklasse gemietet.
We rented a comfortable mid-range car for the vacation.
SMEs / middle class
Mittelstand and Mittelklasse can both refer to the social middle. Mittelstand specifically refers to the bourgeois middle class. Mittelklasse is the more general class designation and primarily classifies people by income, education, and occupation.
Diese Familien gehören wegen ihres Einkommens und ihrer Bildung zur Mittelklasse.
Because of their income and education, these families belong to the middle class.
Diese selbstständigen Familien zählen zum bürgerlichen Mittelstand.
These self-employed families are part of the bourgeois Mittelstand.
