SMEs / middle class
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SMEs
The group of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that play an important role in a country's economy.
Der deutsche Mittelstand ist für seine Innovationskraft und seine vielen Arbeitsplätze bekannt.
German SMEs are known for their innovative strength and their many jobs.
middle class
The social class located between the upper class and the working class; the bourgeois middle class.
Die Studie untersucht das Konsumverhalten des städtischen Mittelstands.
The study examines the consumer behavior of the urban middle class.
'Mittelstand' is composed of 'die Mitte' (the middle) and 'der Stand' (status, class). So it literally describes a group located in the middle—either in the economy or in society.
Sein Einkommen ordnet ihn dem gehobenen Mittelstand zu.
His income places him in the upper middle class.
You can tell from the context whether the economic or social meaning is intended. If it is about companies, jobs, and innovation, the economic sense is meant. If it is about income, lifestyle, and society, the social class is meant.
Viele Familienunternehmen bilden das Rückgrat des deutschen Mittelstands.
Many family businesses form the backbone of German SMEs.
In Germany, 'Mittelstand' as a term for small and medium-sized enterprises has a special, positive meaning. It is often seen as the engine of the economy and a guarantor of stability.
Die Regierung plant neue Förderprogramme für den Mittelstand.
The government is planning new support programs for SMEs.
When the social class is meant, 'Mittelstand' is often described more precisely. Typical combinations are 'der bürgerliche Mittelstand' (the bourgeois middle class), 'der untere Mittelstand' (the lower middle class), or 'der gehobene Mittelstand' (the upper middle class).
Die Studie analysiert die Werte des bürgerlichen Mittelstands.
The study analyzes the values of the bourgeois middle class.
middle class / mid-range
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 selbstständigen Familien zählen zum bürgerlichen Mittelstand.
These self-employed families are part of the bourgeois Mittelstand.
Diese Familien gehören wegen ihres Einkommens und ihrer Bildung zur Mittelklasse.
Because of their income and education, these families belong to the middle class.
