SME / medium-sized
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SME / medium-sized
Relating to the Mittelstand; characteristic of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often considered the backbone of the economy.
Viele mittelständische Unternehmen in Deutschland sind Weltmarktführer in ihrer Nische.
Many medium-sized companies in Germany are world market leaders in their niche.
The adjective 'mittelständisch' (SME / medium-sized) is derived from the noun 'der Mittelstand' (the German small and medium-sized business sector). In Germany, 'der Mittelstand' primarily refers to the totality of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Die Förderung des Mittelstands ist ein wichtiges politisches Ziel.
Supporting the Mittelstand is an important political goal.
This word is used almost exclusively in an economic context. It typically describes nouns such as 'Unternehmen' (companies), 'Betriebe' (businesses), or 'die Wirtschaft' (the economy).
Dieses mittelständische Unternehmen wird bereits in der dritten Generation geführt.
This medium-sized company is already being run by the third generation.
The word has strong cultural and economic significance in Germany. Mittelstand companies are considered innovative, flexible, and important employers.
Die Ausbildung in mittelständischen Betrieben hat einen sehr guten Ruf.
Training in medium-sized companies has a very good reputation.
middle-class / civil
'bürgerlich' and 'mittelständisch' can both be connected with a middle position in society or the economy. 'bürgerlich' more often describes a middle-class lifestyle, values, or social group. It can also mean something conventional or solidly respectable. 'mittelständisch' is used mainly for small and medium-sized companies and for the economy. The words can be confused because 'Bürgertum' (bourgeoisie / middle class), 'Mittelschicht' (middle class), and 'Mittelstand' sound similar. As a simple guide: for lifestyle and society, 'bürgerlich' is usually more fitting; for companies and the economy, 'mittelständisch' is usually more fitting.
Das mittelständische Unternehmen stellt seit dreißig Jahren Küchenmöbel her.
The medium-sized company has been making kitchen furniture for thirty years.
In dem Film sieht man ein bürgerliches Wohnzimmer mit schweren Möbeln und vielen Büchern.
In the film, you see a middle-class living room with heavy furniture and lots of books.